John Ashton, the actor best known for his memorable portrayal of Detective Sergeant John Taggart film saga in the iconic “Beverly Hills Cop”, has died at the age of 76. He died in Fort Collins , Colorado, surrounded by his loved ones after a long battle with cancer, as confirmed by his manager Alan Somers.
John Ashton left an indelible mark on the cinema, notably thanks to his role in the first installments of “Beverly Hills Cop” , released in 1984 and 1987. Alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold , Ashton played a rigid and respectful of the rules, but who regularly allowed himself to be drawn into the crazy plans of his colleague Axel Foley , played by Murphy. This role allowed him to gain worldwide notoriety, making his character, John Taggart , an emblematic figure of 80s cinema.
A prolific John Ashton career
In 2024, he reprized his role in the latest adaptation of the franchise, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F”, where his character evolved to become a police chief.
His’s career John Ashton spans more than 50 years. Before landing his cult role in “Beverly Hills Cop,” he had already gained solid experience in the film and television industry. Ashton got his start in films like “An Eye for an Eye” (1973), “Breaking Away” (1979), and “Midnight Run” (1988), where he co-starred with Robert De Niro . His role in “Midnight Run,” where he played a bounty hunter, also stuck in viewers’ minds, adding to his reputation as a versatile actor, capable of transitioning from comedies to more dramatic roles.
John Ashton has also been a familiar figure on the small screen. He made numerous appearances in popular series of the 70s and 80s, such as “Columbo” , “Starsky and Hutch” , “MASH” , and “Dallas”.
Throughout his career, John Ashton has demonstrated great rigor and total commitment to his profession. Whether on stage, in films or on television, he knew how to embody strong characters, endowed with depth and humanity. His ability to captivate audiences, whether it is comedy or drama, has made him a highly respected actor in the entertainment industry.
Those close to him remember him as a man passionate about his profession, but also about other aspects of life. Off the set, John Ashton was a big fan of golf . He was always striving to improve his game and stay on the cutting edge of new sports technology.
John Ashton leaves behind a loving family and a legacy rich in unforgettable cinematic moments. His wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, as well as his two children, Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton , his stepchildren and his grandson, will remember him not only for his acting talent, but also for his love , his devotion and his unwavering support .
Tributes are pouring in from everywhere, hailing Ashton ‘s prolific career and lasting impact on cinema. His performances will remain engraved in the memories of spectators, and his work will continue to inspire future generations.
His’s memory For those who would like to honor John Ashton, his family has asked that donations be made to Pathways Hospice Care , the organization that supported him during his final days. Those close to him insist on the importance of celebrating his life and work through his numerous contributions to cinema and television.
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