‘Beverly Hills Cop’ Actor John Ashton Dies at 76

Actor John Ashton, renowned for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop film series, has passed away at the age of 76. His manager, Alan Somers, confirmed that Ashton died on Thursday after a brief battle with cancer, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Ashton's portrayal of Detective Taggart in the original Beverly Hills Cop films, released in 1984 and 1987, was beloved by audiences. He reprised his role in the upcoming Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, where he returns as a police chief. The series, which starred Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold, showcased Ashton's comedic timing and strong screen presence. John Ashton Dies at 76; Veteran Actor Was Known for His Roles in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’, ‘Midnight Run’, ‘Breaking Away’, ‘The Twilight Zone’ and More.

His career spanned more than five decades, during which he appeared in numerous films and television shows. Notable works include An Eye for an Eye (1973), So Evil, My Sister (1974), Cat Murkil and the Silks (1976), Borderline (1979), and Honky Tonk Freeway (1981). More recent projects include Sweet Deadly Dreams (2006), Gone Baby Gone (2007), Middle Men (2009), and Lonesome Soldier (2023). On television, Ashton had guest roles in popular shows such as Columbo, Police Story, Barnaby Jones, and MASH. He also made a memorable appearance in the long-running series Dallas during the 1978-79 season, playing Willie Jo Garr, a character entangled in a tragic storyline. Dame Maggie Smith Dies at 89: Netizens Pay Heartfelt Tribute to ’Harry Potter’s Beloved Professor McGonagall on X.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, John David Ashton was born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts. Raised in Enfield, Connecticut, he graduated from USC with a BA in theater arts, which paved the way for his successful acting career. He is survived by his sisters, Sharon Ann Ashton and Linda Jean Ashton, and his brother, Edward Richard Ashton Jr.