John Ashton, “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise actor, dies at 76

Actor John Ashton, finest identified for his function because the by-the-book detective within the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise, has died, his publicist Alan Somers confirmed to CBS Information on Sunday. He was 76.

Ashton died Thursday in Ft. Collins, Colorado, after a battle with most cancers.

“John was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who might be deeply missed by all who knew him,” an announcement mentioned.

Ashton was born in Springfield, Massachusetts on Feb. 22, 1948, and raised in Enfield, Connecticut. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts from the College of Southern California.

All through his 50-year profession in present enterprise, Ashton appeared in practically 100 films after making his debut in 1973’s “The Psychopath.”

He was in all probability finest identified for his function as Det. Sgt. John Taggart within the first two installments of the “Beverly Hills Cop” sequence alongside Eddie Murphy and Decide Reinhold. He reprised his function in 2024’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”

Different movie credit embody “Some Type of Fantastic,” “She’s Having a Child,” “Midnight Run,” “Little Large League” and “Gone Child Gone.”

On tv, he performed Willie Joe Garr on a number of episodes of “Dallas” and made an look on such reveals like “Columbo,” “Police Squad!” “Hardball” and others.

“John devoted his profession to honing his craft and bringing characters to life on the display. His presence might be vastly missed,” Somers mentioned.

Ashton is survived by his spouse Robin Hoye, three kids, three step-children and a grandson. He additionally leaves behind two sisters and a brother. 

“John leaves behind a legacy of affection, dedication, and repair. His reminiscence will ceaselessly be treasured by his spouse, kids, grandchildren, in addition to his brother, sisters, his prolonged household and all who liked him,” Somers mentioned. “John’s influence on the world might be remembered and celebrated for generations to return.”

The household requests any donations in Ashton’s reminiscence be made to Pathways Hospice Care