John Ashton, the acclaimed actor best known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise, has died at the age of 76. Ashton passed away on September 27, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colorado, after a courageous battle with cancer. His death was confirmed by his publicist, Alan Somers, who described Ashton as a loving husband, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton had a prolific career spanning over five decades in film and television. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern California before making his acting debut in the 1973 film “The Psychopath.” Throughout his career, he appeared in nearly 100 films and numerous television shows.
Ashton is perhaps most recognized for his portrayal of the by-the-book Detective Taggart alongside Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley and Judge Reinhold’s Billy Rosewood. The original “Beverly Hills Cop” was released in 1984 and became a cultural phenomenon. Ashton reprised his role in the sequels “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987) and “Beverly Hills Cop III” (1994), as well as in the recent Netflix release “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” (2024).
In addition to his iconic role in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, Ashton starred in films such as “Midnight Run,” where he played a rival bounty hunter opposite Robert De Niro, and “Some Kind of Wonderful,” where he portrayed Eric Stoltz’s father. His extensive television credits include appearances on popular series such as “MAS*H,” “Columbo,” “Dallas,” and “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.”
Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye; three children; three stepchildren; a grandson; two sisters; and a brother. In a heartfelt statement, Somers highlighted Ashton’s legacy: “John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. His memory will forever be treasured by his family and all who loved him.”
Throughout his career, John Ashton was celebrated not only for his talent but also for his dedication to his craft. He became a beloved figure among fans of both film and television. His performances brought laughter and depth to many characters over the years, making him a memorable presence in Hollywood.
Following the announcement of his passing, fans took to social media to share their favorite moments from Ashton’s performances, particularly highlighting memorable scenes from the “Beverly Hills Cop” films that showcased his comedic timing and chemistry with co-stars.
Beyond acting, Ashton contributed to various charitable causes throughout his life. His family has requested that any donations made in his memory be directed to Pathways Hospice Care, reflecting Ashton’s commitment to helping others.
