John Ashton, the actor renowned for his role as the character John Taggert in the movie Beverly Hills Cop and its sequels, has passed away at the age of 76.
He departed this life on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, following a short fight with cancer, as confirmed by his manager. A heartfelt message indicated that he was a devoted husband, brother, father, and grandfather who would be sorely missed by all who knew him.
Ashton’s legacy is one of love, commitment, and service. His family and friends will always cherish his memory, and the influence he had on the world will be acknowledged and honored for many years to come.
In the legendary movie Beverly Hills Cop from 1984, Ashton portrayed Detective Sergeant Taggart alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold, later reprising his role in the 1987 sequel. Most recently, he reprised the character, this time as police chief, in Netflix’s upcoming movie Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, set for release in 2024.
Reinhold expressed his admiration for Ashton in a social media post, reflecting on their decades-long friendship and the joy they shared together. He shared a memory of the night before, emphasizing Ashton's zest for life and his enduring camaraderie.
With a professional path that unfolded over more than fifty years in television and film, Ashton appeared in notable works such as Midnight Run in 1988, Little Big League in 1994, Gone Baby Gone in 2007, and Middle Men in 2009, along with iconic TV series like Columbo, M*A*S*H, and Dallas.
He is survived by his siblings, including his sister Sharon, along with Linda, as well as his brother, Edward. His their departure leaves a deep chasm in the hearts of many.