John Ashton, the actor best known for his iconic role as Detective John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films, has passed away at the age of 76. Ashton died on Thursday, Sept. 26, in Ft. Collins, Colorado, after a battle with cancer, his manager confirmed. The news was first reported by TMZ.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1948, Ashton’s passion for acting began in theater. He toured extensively with various theater companies across the United States and the United Kingdom, honing his craft on stage. Eventually, he moved to Los Angeles to pursue a career in television, where he appeared on numerous hit shows spanning decades. His TV credits included roles in popular series such as Kojak, Columbo, Police Story, Starsky & Hutch, Law & Order: SVU, and Dallas, where he portrayed Willie Joe Garr in a recurring role.

In 1984, Ashton gained widespread fame for his portrayal of John Taggart, the no-nonsense, tough-as-nails detective, starring alongside Eddie Murphy in the blockbuster hit Beverly Hills Cop. He reprised his role in the sequel Beverly Hills Cop II and returned for the upcoming installment, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, set to be released in 2024.

More Work of John Ashton

Beyond his work in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, Ashton appeared in other notable films, such as Midnight Run, Little Big League, Some Kind of Wonderful, She’s Having a Baby, and Gone Baby Gone. Later in his life, he transitioned to radio, hosting The Ashton and Davis Show on 870 ESPN Radio in Colorado.

Ashton was an avid golfer, constantly seeking ways to improve his game. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, his children, stepchildren, and grandson.

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His family has asked that any donations in his memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care in Colorado.