John Ashton Obituary, Death – John Ashton, the beloved character actor known for his memorable role as the gruff yet endearing police detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, has passed away at the age of 76. His family confirmed that he died on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, as announced by his manager, Alan Somers, in a statement released on Sunday. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
With a career spanning over five decades, Ashton made a significant impact on both television and film. He appeared in numerous notable projects, including “Midnight Run,” “Little Big League,” and “Gone Baby Gone.” However, he is best remembered for his role in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films. In this iconic series, Ashton formed an unforgettable trio alongside Eddie Murphy, who played Axel Foley, a Detroit detective investigating a case in Los Angeles. The other member of this trio was Billy Rosewood, portrayed by Judge Reinhold.
In the films, Ashton’s character, Taggart, was depicted as a by-the-book detective who often found himself reluctantly involved in Axel’s escapades. Despite being the more cautious member of the group, Taggart frequently got drawn into Axel’s unconventional plans, providing both tension and comic relief. Ashton reprised his role as Taggart in all four films, starting with the original “Beverly Hills Cop” released in 1984 and continuing through the recent Netflix reboot, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which premiered earlier this year.
Ashton also showcased his versatility as an actor in other genres. In the 1988 buddy comedy “Midnight Run,” he played a more unscrupulous character, a rival bounty hunter pursuing Charles Grodin’s character while he was in the custody of Robert De Niro’s Jack Walsh. Reflecting on his audition experience with De Niro, Ashton recounted an amusing encounter during a July interview with Collider. He remembered how De Niro started tossing matches on the floor while he attempted to grab them. When Ashton defiantly responded with a string of expletives, De Niro reportedly appreciated the bravado and decided he wanted Ashton for the role because he sought an actor who could stand up to him.
Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, along with two children, three stepchildren, a grandson, two sisters, and a brother. His passing marks a significant loss in the entertainment industry, leaving behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on audiences around the world.