John Ashley

About

Notable for his portrayal of Clipper Hamilton in the 1960s television series Straightaway and for his appearances in Frankenstein's Daughter, Hell on Wheels, and several other movies of the 1950s and '60s, he is also remembered for his production work on the television shows The A-Team, Werewolf, and Walker, Texas Ranger.

Before Fame

While earning his bachelor's degree in economics at Oklahoma State University, he made a trip to Southern California and happened to meet John Wayne, who helped him secure a part in the television series Men of Annapolis.

Trivia

In his early sixties, he suffered a fatal heart attack while on the set of the film Scar City.

Family Life

He was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and raised in Oklahoma. He was married three times -- to Deborah Walley, Nancy Moore, and Jan Ashley -- and had sons named Anthony and Cole.

Associated With

He served as an associate producer on the acclaimed Francis Ford Coppola feature Apocalypse Now.