Actor John Ashton, recognized for his role as the meticulous detective in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, has passed away at the age of 76. His publicist, Alan Somers, confirmed the news to CBS News on Sunday. Ashton died Thursday in Ft. Collins, Colorado, following a battle with cancer.
A statement shared by his family described him as a “loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather” who will be profoundly missed by those who knew him.
Ashton was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, on February 22, 1948, and grew up in Enfield, Connecticut. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Southern California.
Over his 50-year career in entertainment, Ashton featured in nearly 100 films, making his acting debut in 1973’s “The Psychopath.” He is perhaps most memorable for portraying Det. Sgt. John Taggart in the first two “Beverly Hills Cop” movies alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. He reprised this role in the upcoming 2024 film “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”
His extensive filmography includes titles such as “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “She’s Having a Baby,” “Midnight Run,” “Little Big League,” and “Gone Baby Gone.” On television, Ashton played Willie Joe Garr in “Dallas” and made guest appearances in shows like “Columbo,” “Police Squad!,” and “Hardball.”
Somers remarked that Ashton dedicated his life to his craft, bringing characters to life on screen and that his presence will be sorely missed.
He is survived by his wife Robin Hoye, three children, three step-children, and a grandson, along with two sisters and a brother. Somers noted that Ashton’s legacy of love and dedication will be cherished by his family and all who knew him. The family has requested that donations in Ashton’s memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care.