[1] Ashimov was born in Bayqadam (or, according to other sources, Zhayilma) settlement on May 8, 1937)[2] Sarysu District, South Kazakhstan Region, Kazakh SSR.

[3][4][5] Having graduated from Kazakh National Academy of Arts in Almaty as a theater drama actor in 1961, Ashimov started his career in the movie industry at Kazakhfilm Studios.

[9][10][11] Ashimov's success and recognition as an actor stemmed from his performance in such movies as The End of the Ataman by Shaken Aimanov,[12] Trans-Siberian Express, Who Are You Mr. Ka?

[14] Ashimov taught at Kazakh National Academy of Arts named after Zhurgenev where he received a professorship.

[17][18] Ashimov had two children, Madi and Sagi, with Mayra Aimanova, his first wife of 35 years, a Kazakh opera singer.