Death of John Ashton: Beverly Hills Cop actor dies at age 76 after battle with cancer

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John Ashton, known for his role as John Taggart in Eddie Murphy’s Beverly Hills police officer Films, has died at the age of 76, his manager confirmed on Sunday (September 29).

Ashton passed away “peacefully” on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, after a battle with cancer

“John was a loving husband, brother, father and grandfather who will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” a statement shared with said The Independent.

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

Ashton was born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1948. After attending Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio for two years, he transferred to the University of Southern California and graduated with a BA in Theater Studies.

His early film appearances included roles in Eye for an eye (1973), Break away (1979), Border (1980), Honky Tonk Freeway (1981), Last resort (1986) and King Kong lives (1986).

Based on Sergeant Taggart’s first portrayal in 1984 Beverly Hills police officer With Murphy and Judge Reinhold, Ashton reprized the role in the 1987 sequel and most recently returned for Netflix Beverly Hills cop: Axel F (2024).

Ashton spoke about the fame the comedy franchise brought him Comic Resources Earlier this year: “I’m walking down the street and people say, ‘Hey Taggart!’ Hey Taggart!’ You know, when it started, I was a little upset because I had been doing so many other things.

“I said, ‘Well, you know, I’ve done more than just Taggart.’ Over the years I’ve really enjoyed it. There aren’t many actors who can make their mark on a role that will stay with them for eternity, so I consider it an honor now.”

Ashton appeared in the 1987 comedy written by John Hughes as the father of Eric Stoltz’s character Somehow wonderfuland worked with Hughes again She’s having a baby in 1988.

That same year, he starred as Robert De Niro’s rival bounty hunter Midnight run.

Often cast as an authority figure, Ashton plays park ranger Douglas Pine in the film Meet the Deedles (1996), a brutal prison guard in instinct (1999) and Detective Nick Poole in Ben Affleck’s Gone, baby gone (2007).

His other films include: Curly Sue (1991), Little big league (1994), Middle men (2009) and Once upon a time there was a river (2019). On television he appeared in episodes of Columbo, Wonder Woman, MASH, Starsky & Hutch, Dallas, The A Team, The twilight zone, Judging Amy And Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, his children Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton, his stepchildren Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio and Ashley Hoye, and his grandson Henry.