
John Ashton, best known for his role as Detective John Taggart in Beverly Hills Cop, has passed away at 76 after a battle with cancer. His death marks another loss for Hollywood, particularly for fans of 1980s action-comedy films. Ashton, whose career spanned five decades, appeared in over 200 films, TV shows, and stage performances. He is especially remembered for his iconic partnership with Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold in the Beverly Hills Cop series, which combined action and humor to great effect.
Ashton’s family has expressed their gratitude for the support from his fans, and in his memory, they are encouraging donations to Pathways Hospice Care.
Though the Beverly Hills Cop franchise was revived with the recent release of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, Ashton reflected on its long development before joining the project. Despite the uncertainties surrounding the sequel, Ashton remained active in Hollywood until his passing, leaving behind a lasting legacy of beloved performances. His contributions to the entertainment industry will continue to be celebrated.