New York, NY – Renowned character actor John Ashton, best known for his role as the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the iconic “Beverly Hills Cop” films, passed away at the age of 76. His family announced his death on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, although the cause of death remains undisclosed. Ashton’s versatile career spanned over 50 years, with appearances in various TV series and films such as “Midnight Run,” “Little Big League,” and “Gone Baby Gone.”
In the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise, Ashton’s portrayal of Taggart was a crucial part of the unforgettable trio alongside Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley and Judge Reinhold’s Billy Rosewood. Despite Taggart’s initial reservations, he often found himself reluctantly or eagerly collaborating with Axel on cases. Ashton appeared in the first two “Beverly Hills Cop” films, beginning with the original in 1984, and also made a return in the recent Netflix reboot, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” released earlier this year.
Notable for his performance as a rival bounty hunter in Martin Brest’s 1988 buddy comedy “Midnight Run,” Ashton shared screen time with Charles Grodin and Robert De Niro in portraying a character with shades of ambiguity. In a candid interview with Collider, Ashton reminisced about his audition with De Niro, highlighting a memorable interaction where he stood his ground and earned the respect of the acclaimed actor.
Survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, Ashton leaves behind a legacy that extends beyond his on-screen achievements. He is mourned by his two children, three stepchildren, a grandson, two sisters, and a brother. A talented actor with a knack for bringing depth and authenticity to his roles, Ashton’s presence on screen will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike.