Renowned actor John David Ashton, famous for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” film series, passed away on September 26, 2024. His death occurred in Fort Collins, Colorado, and he was 76 years old at the time.
Alan Somers, Ashton’s representative, confirmed the sad news and revealed that the actor was battling cancer. Born and raised in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton leaves behind a rich legacy in the entertainment industry that spans more than five decades, with over 200 screen and stage credits to his name.
Ashton, born in 1948, attended the University of Southern California to study theater arts, which set the stage for his successful acting career. He achieved widespread fame with his portrayal of the tough Detective Sergeant Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” movies, playing alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. Ashton was featured in three of the four parts of the series, beginning with the first one in 1984.
The actor was last seen reprising his famous role in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” a Netflix release earlier this year. In this most recent installment, Ashton’s character had risen to the rank of police chief, joining forces once again with Murphy’s Axel Foley and Reinhold’s Detective Billy Rosewood.
Throughout his career, Ashton displayed his acting range by assuming various roles in both cinema and television. His notable performances include roles in the popular TV series “M*A*S*H,” the 1987 John Hughes film “Some Kind of Wonderful,” featuring Lea Thompson and Eric Stoltz, and the 1988 action-comedy “Midnight Run,” where he shared the screen with Robert De Niro.
Apart from these, Ashton’s filmography includes appearances in “Breaking Away,” “Gone Baby Gone,” and “An Eye for an Eye.” He also had a recurring role in the hit series “Dallas” in the late 1970s.
In a 2020 interview, Ashton reflected on his time working with his “Beverly Hills Cop” co-stars, Murphy and Reinhold. He credited director Martin Brest for fostering a creative environment that allowed the actors to shape their characters naturally.
In the later stages of his career, Ashton transitioned from acting and co-hosted the “Ashton and Davis Show” on 870 ESPN Radio, highlighting his love for sports.
Colleagues and admirers remember Ashton for his unwavering dedication to his profession and his talent for bringing characters to life. 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 memorial service will be planned at a future date. The family has requested that any contributions in Ashton’s memory be directed to Pathways Hospice Care in Larimer County, Colorado.
