‘Beverly Hills Cop’ star John Ashton dies, age 76

Veteran character actor John Ashton who rose to fame as the tough but lovable police detective John Taggart in the popular Beverly Hills Cop film series has sadly passed away at the age of 76.

Ashton’s family announced the beloved actor passed away on Thursday, September 26 in Colorado. Ashton’s manager, Alan Somers, released a statement on behalf of his family in which they reflected on his “legacy of love, dedication, and service”.

“John was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” the statement read, as per Deadline.

“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. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

No cause of death was provided.

Born February 22, 1948, Ashton first came to the attention of audiences with roles in popular television series such as Dallas and Columbo before securing roles in films such as An Eye for an Eye (1973), Breaking Away (1979), Borderline (1980), Last Resort (1986) and King Kong Lives (1986).

However, it was his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the popular Beverly Hills Cop series alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold that brought him greater fame.

In 1988, he co-starred in the action-comedy Midnight Run alongside Robert De Niro before enjoying further success with roles in Little Big League, Trapped in Paradise, The Shooter, Meet the Deedles, Instinct, and in the 2007 drama Gone Baby Gone directed by Ben Affleck.

Most recently he reprised his role of Taggart in 2024’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

News of Ashton’s passing triggered an overwhelming response from fans who took to social media to offer their tributes and honour his legacy.

Beverly Hills Cop wouldn’t have been the same without John Ashton who heroically had to pinch his face to hold back laughter as Eddie Murphy made up this hilarious story about super cops pic.twitter.com/YObOlTg6Te

— James Crugnale (@jamescrugnale) September 29, 2024

The fact that we got to see him one more time in his most iconic role, just a few short weeks ago, makes this news all the more sadder. As a character, Sgt. John Taggart felt more real because of John Ashton’s comedic timing.

RIP King…pic.twitter.com/8WiLxTUuf8 https://t.co/1oeOwn5jFp

— Emilio (@TheFilmMaestro) September 29, 2024

Rest easy John Ashton. Great here but mesmerizing in Midnight Run pic.twitter.com/4Y89YBYokN

— Don Jonescu (@DonJonescu) September 30, 2024

Rest In Peace the great John Ashton, will never not laugh at the scene in Beverley Hills Cop 2, when he accidentally falls in the pool pic.twitter.com/6SR1zPGmHe

— Christopher Galazka (@ChrisG_TSU) September 29, 2024

I have no words…

Except for the fact that John Ashton really brought the heart & gruff support to the role of Det. Sgt. John Taggart.

From the moment he first appeared right up to present day he never lost what made the character so enjoyable.

RIP John. https://t.co/hzkHvzEUJb pic.twitter.com/QMJeqsIiHG

— Sami Sadek – C0MMS OPEN (@Skullgrin14022) September 29, 2024

Ashton is survived by his wife, Robin Hoye, his two children, three stepchildren, a grandson, two sisters and a brother.

-with AP.