John Ashton, a veteran actor known for his memorable role in the "Beverly Hills Cop" franchise, has passed away.
According to Variety, John Ashton died on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, at the age of 76. The news was confirmed by his manager, Alan Somers.
Ashton's career in the entertainment industry spanned over five decades. His most notable role was Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the first two Beverly Hills Cop films. He starred alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold in these iconic movies, which were released in 1984 and 1987, respectively.
Ashton's acting journey began in the early 1970s, with his first film credits including "An Eye for an Eye" (1973) and "So Evil, My Sister" (1974). He continued to build his resume throughout the decade, appearing in films such as "Breaking Away" (1979) and "Borderline" (1980).
During this period, Ashton also made his mark on television, guest-starring in popular series like "Emergency!," "Columbo," "Police Story," and "MASH." His versatility as an actor allowed him to seamlessly transition between film and television roles.
By the 1980s, Ashton's career was in full swing. In addition to his role in "Beverly Hills Cop," he appeared in John Hughes' "Some Kind of Wonderful" (1987) and "She's Having a Baby" (1988).
One of Ashton's most significant roles came in 1988 when he starred in the action-comedy "Midnight Run" alongside Robert De Niro. In this film, Ashton played a rival bounty hunter to De Niro's character, showcasing his ability to hold his own against one of Hollywood's most respected actors.
Ashton's filmography continued to grow throughout the 1990s and 2000s. He appeared in films such as "Little Big League" (1994), "Instinct" (1999), and "Gone Baby Gone" (2007), the latter directed by Ben Affleck.
On the small screen, Ashton starred as Charlie Battles in the NBC crime drama series "Hardball," which ran for one season from 1989 to 1990.
He also made guest appearances on numerous popular shows, including "The Twilight Zone," "The A-Team," and "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit."
In a testament to the enduring popularity of the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, Ashton reprised his role as John Taggart in the 2024 installment Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. In this latest film, his character was promoted to police chief, bringing his journey in the series full circle.
John David Ashton was born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts. He attended the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a BA in theater arts, laying the foundation for his successful acting career.
Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye; his children, Michelle and Michael Thomas Ashton; three stepchildren; a grandson; two sisters; and a brother. His passing marks the end of a long and diverse career in Hollywood, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances across film and television.
