Veteran Actor John Ashton, Known for “Beverly Hills Cop,” Passes Away at 76
John Ashton, the seasoned character actor renowned for his role as the gruff yet endearing Detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, has died at the age of 76, CNN reports.
His family announced his passing on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, in a statement released by his manager, Alan Somers, on Sunday. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Ashton enjoyed a prolific career spanning over five decades, becoming a familiar face in both television series and films, with notable appearances in “Midnight Run,” “Little Big League,” and “Gone Baby Gone.” However, it was his role in the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise that left an indelible mark on audiences.
Playing alongside Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley, Ashton portrayed one-half of a memorable duo of detectives, including Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold). While Axel was the film’s central character, chasing leads from Detroit to Los Angeles, Taggart and Rosewood were his sometimes reluctant, sometimes enthusiastic allies. Known affectionately as “Sarge” to Billy, Taggart was the more cautious, rule-abiding detective who often found himself persuaded to join Axel’s unconventional plans. Ashton reprised his role throughout the series, from the original 1984 film to the recent Netflix reboot, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” released earlier this year.
Ashton’s versatility was evident in his portrayal of a less scrupulous character in Martin Brest’s 1988 buddy comedy, “Midnight Run.” In the film, he played a rival bounty hunter, chasing down Charles Grodin’s character, while in the custody of Robert De Niro’s Jack Walsh.
Reflecting on his audition experience with De Niro during a July interview with Collider, Ashton recounted a memorable exchange that secured him the role. During the audition, De Niro tested him with an unexpected gesture, leading Ashton to stand his ground, an approach that won him the part.
John Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, two children, three stepchildren, a grandson, two sisters, and a brother.
