John David Ashton, renowned for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, passed away on September 26, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colorado. Ashton was 76 years old.
According to Ashton’s representative, Alan Somers, the actor had been battling cancer. Ashton, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, leaves behind a monumental legacy of over five decades in the entertainment industry, having participated in more than 200 film and stage productions.
Born in 1948, Ashton pursued theater arts at the University of Southern California before launching his fruitful acting career. His portrayal of the straight-laced Detective Sergeant Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold, brought him widespread acclaim. He was featured in three of the four films in the franchise, starting with the original in 1984.
Ashton’s most recent appearance as the character was in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which debuted on Netflix earlier this year. In the latest film, Ashton’s character had been elevated to the position of police chief, reuniting him with Murphy’s quick-witted Axel Foley and Reinhold’s likable Detective Billy Rosewood.
Throughout his career, Ashton showcased his acting versatility by taking on diverse roles in both film and television. His remarkable credits include appearances in the popular TV series “M*A*S*H,” the 1987 John Hughes film “Some Kind of Wonderful,” alongside Lea Thompson and Eric Stoltz, and the 1988 action-comedy “Midnight Run,” where he shared the screen with Robert De Niro.
In addition to these, Ashton’s filmography includes roles in films such as “Breaking Away,” “Gone Baby Gone,” and “An Eye for an Eye.” On television, he also had a recurring role in the well-known series “Dallas” during the late 1970s.
Reflecting on his “Beverly Hills Cop” experience in a 2020 interview, Ashton acknowledged the chemistry he shared with his co-stars, Murphy and Reinhold. He praised director Martin Brest for fostering improvisation and letting the actors cultivate their characters naturally.
Later in his career, Ashton shifted his focus from acting, co-hosting the “Ashton and Davis Show” on 870 ESPN Radio, a platform where he could express his enthusiasm for sports.
Ashton’s dedication to his profession and his ability to breathe life into characters on screen are remembered by his colleagues and fans. 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 conducted at a later date. The family has requested that donations in Ashton’s memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care in Larimer County, Colorado.
