John Ashton, renowned for his role in the iconic "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise, has passed away at the age of 76.
According to Breitbart News, the veteran performer, best known for his portrayal of Detective Sergeant John Taggart alongside Eddie Murphy, died at his home in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Alan Somers, Ashton's manager, confirmed the actor's passing. Ashton enjoyed a career spanning decades, with his breakthrough role in the 1984 hit "Beverly Hills Cop."
He returned to the franchise for its fourth film, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," which premiered on Netflix in July 2024, just a few months before his death.
Alan Somers shared a touching statement about Ashton's life and impact:
John was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him. John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, children, grandchildren, as well as his brother, sisters, his extended family and all who loved him.
Ashton's commitment to his craft was evident throughout his extensive career in theater, film, and television. His passion for acting was matched by his love for golf and his devotion to his favorite sports teams, the New York Yankees and New York Giants.
Born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton's journey in the entertainment industry began in Southern California after his college years.
His first credited role was in the 1973 film "An Eye for an Eye," where he portrayed a police sergeant, foreshadowing his later iconic role in "Beverly Hills Cop."
Throughout the 1970s, Ashton appeared in numerous television series, including "Emergency!," "Columbo," "Kojak," "Barnaby Jones," "Wonder Woman," "MASH," and "Police Story."
His film repertoire expanded to include notable titles such as "Borderline," "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension," "Some Kind of Wonderful," "Curly Sue," "Midnight Run," and "Gone Baby Gone."
Ashton's final on-screen appearance in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" served as a fitting bookend to his career, allowing him to revisit the role that had propelled him to stardom four decades earlier. The film's release on Netflix in July 2024 introduced Ashton's talent to a new generation of viewers.
His manager further elaborated on Ashton's passion for his profession:
John devoted his career to honing his craft and bringing characters to life on the screen. His presence will be greatly missed.
John Ashton's passing marks the end of an era for fans of the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise and admirers of his versatile acting career. He is survived by his wife, Robin Hoye, two children, three stepchildren, and a grandson. Ashton's contributions to film and television, particularly his memorable role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart, will continue to be celebrated by audiences for years to come.
