Beloved 'Beverly Hills Cop' actor dead at 76
Actor John Ashton Paramount Pictures
John Ashton, known for his role as Sgt. John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise, has died at the age of 76.
Ashton’s manager, Alan Somers, confirmed his death to multiple outlets, including Variety and TMZ, noting that Taggart died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, after a battle with cancer.
Ashton’s character was in the first two installments of the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, released in 1984 and 1987. The films starred Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley and included Judge Reinhold as Det. Billy Rosewood. He reprised his role in 2024’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” in which his character was now a police chief.
Born on Feb. 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, his acting career spans more than 50 years. His earlier credits include 1973’s “An Eye for an Eye,” 1974’s “So Evil, My Sister,” 1976’s “Cat Murkil and the Silks,” 1979’s “Breaking Away,” 1980’s “Borderline” and 1981’s “Honky Tonk Freeway.”
His most notable roles include playing Eric Stoltz’s father in the teen rom-com “Some Kind of Wonderful,” bounty hunter killer Marvin Dorfler in “Midnight Run,” a pitching coach in “Little Big League,” and a Boston detective in “Gone Baby Gone.”
Ashton also appeared in episodes of “M*A*S*H,” “Starsky & Hutch,” “Dallas,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and a revival of “The Twilight Zone.”
Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye; children Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton; step-children Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio and Ashley Hoye; grandson Henry; sisters Sharon Ann Ashton and Linda Jean Ashton; and brother Edward Richard Ashton.
“John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service,” Somers said in a statement. “His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, children, grandchildren, as well as his brother, sisters, his extended family and all who loved him. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”
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