John David Ashton, the accomplished actor well-known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” film franchise, died on September 26, 2024 in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was 76 years old.
Ashton’s representative, Alan Somers, confirmed the actor’s passing, stating that he had been battling cancer. The Springfield, Massachusetts native leaves behind a legacy spanning over five decades in the entertainment industry, with appearances in more than 200 screen and stage productions.
Born in 1948, Ashton studied theater arts at the University of Southern California before embarking on his prolific acting career. He gained widespread recognition for his portrayal of the no-nonsense Detective Sergeant Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, starring alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. Ashton appeared in three out of the four installments of the franchise, beginning with the original in 1984.
His most recent reprisal of the role came in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which premiered on Netflix earlier this year. In the latest installment, Ashton’s character had been promoted to police chief, reuniting with Murphy’s wise-cracking Axel Foley and Reinhold’s affable Detective Billy Rosewood.
Throughout his career, Ashton demonstrated his versatility as an actor, taking on a wide range of roles in both film and television. Some of his other notable credits include appearances in the hit TV series “M*A*S*H,” the 1987 John Hughes comedy-drama “Some Kind of Wonderful,” starring Lea Thompson and Eric Stoltz, and the 1988 action-comedy “Midnight Run,” where he acted opposite Robert De Niro.
Ashton’s filmography also boasts roles in movies such as “Breaking Away,” “Gone Baby Gone,” and “An Eye for an Eye.” On the small screen, he had a recurring role in the popular series “Dallas” during the late 1970s.
In a 2020 interview, Ashton reflected on the chemistry he shared with his “Beverly Hills Cop” co-stars, Murphy and Reinhold. He praised director Martin Brest for encouraging improvisation and allowing the actors to develop their characters organically.
Later in his career, Ashton pivoted away from acting to co-host the “Ashton and Davis Show” on 870 ESPN Radio, showcasing his passion for sports.
Colleagues and fans remember Ashton for his dedication to his craft and his ability to bring characters to life on screen. His representative, Alan Somers, told TMZ, “John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”
Ashton is survived by his wife, children, and step-children. A celebration of life service will be held at a later date. The family has requested that any donations in Ashton’s memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care in Larimer County, Colorado.