“Beverly Hills Cop” actor John Ashton has died at the age of 76

John David Ashton … the actor best known as the hard-boiled detective in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series has died, TMZ has learned.

John died peacefully Thursday in Ft. Collins, Colorado, after a battle with cancer… his rep tells us.

During his 50 years in Hollywood, John appeared in more than 200 film, television and stage productions… but he arguably became a household name when he starred opposite an up-and-coming actor Eddie Murphy in 1984’s “Beverly Hills Cop.”

The actor appeared in three of the four “BHC” films… including the latest… which was released on Netflix this year to positive reviews from fans and critics.

In the franchise, John played Detective Sergeant John Taggart…who, as Axel Foley, served as the straight man for Eddie’s escapades. Judge Reinhold played his good but lovable partner, Detective Billy Rosewood.

The Springfield, Massachusetts native also appeared in “M*A*S*H” and played Eric Stoltz’s father in the John Hughes comedy “Some Kind of Wonderful.” In 1988, he played the role of a rival bounty hunter in the action comedy Midnight Run Robert DeNiro‘s character.

His most recent gig…in addition to the fourth “BHC” film…as co-host of the “Ashton and Davis Show on 870 ESPN Radio.”

John’s representative Alan Somers tells TMZ, “John leaves a legacy of love, dedication and service. His wife, children, grandchildren, brother, sisters, extended family and all who loved him will forever cherish his memory. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

The family asks that all donations in John’s memory be directed to Pathways Hospice Care.

He was 76.