Biography
Al Hunter Ashton (26 June 1957 – 27 April 2007) was a British actor and screenwriter. Born Alan Hunter in Birmingham, he performed mainly under the name Al Ashton and wrote under Al Hunter or Al Hunter Ashton. He appeared as the Drill Instructor in the Mr. Bean episode 'Back to School Mr. Bean' (1994).
As a screenwriter he contributed to series including EastEnders, Holby City and The Bill. His script for the Alan Clarke-directed television film The Firm (1989) is among his best-known works. He received a BAFTA TV Award for Best Single Drama for Safe (1993).
His acting credits also include roles in A Fish Called Wanda (1988), Ever After (1998), Gladiator (2000) and From Hell (2001).
