John Ashton, who was most remembered for playing the lead in the Beverly Hills Cop films, died at the age of 76. Ashton lost his fight with cancer on September 26 in Ft. Collins, Colorado, according to a statement from his management that People was given access to.
Born in 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton began his acting career in theater, touring the US and the UK with various companies before relocating to Los Angeles to seek a career in television. Ashton appeared in a number of classic TV series over the course of several decades, such as MAS*H, Police Story, Kojak, Columbo, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Tracey Ullman Show, and Starsky & Hutch. In addition, he started playing the part of Willie Joe Garr in a recurrent role on Dallas.
In the action-comedy Beverely Cop movies from 1984, he starred as police officer John Taggart opposite Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley. This was his breakthrough role. In subsequent series movies, including 1987’s Beverly Hills Cop II and, most recently, 2024’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, he kept playing the same role. The Beverly Hills Cop III from 1994 didn’t feature him.
Alongside Robert De Niro, Ashton featured in the 1988 film Midnight Run as a rival bounty hunter to De Niro’s character, Jack Walsh. The late actor starred in a number of movies during his career, including Uncle John, Instinct, Sweet Deadly Dreams, Meet the Deedles, Little Big League, Trapped in Paradise, I Want to Go Home, and many more.
According to his obituary, which was cited by People, Ashton was also an avid golfer who “always tried new techniques to improve his game and made sure he acquired the latest and most up-to-date equipment.” He co-hosted The Ashton and Davis Show on Colorado’s 870 ESPN Radio most recently.
Alan Somers, Ashton’s agent, told TMZ that John “leave[s] a legacy of love, dedication, and service.” His wife, kids, grandkids, brother, sisters, extended family, and everyone who loved him will always cherish his memories. Future generations will remember and honor John’s contribution to the globe.
After a twenty-four-year marriage, Ashton is left by his wife Robin Hoye, two daughters, three stepchildren, a grandson, two sisters, and a brother. According to TMZ, his family has asked that any donations go to Pathways Hospice Care in Colorado.
