As Hollywood bids farewell to John Ashton, his impact—whether as a stern detective or a loving family man—will resonate for years to come.
John Ashton, best known for his role as the tough but lovable Detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” movies, has passed away at the age of 76.
John Ashton as Det. Sgt. John Taggart on the set of “Beverly Hills Cop” which was first released on December 5, 1984. | Source: Getty Images
Ashton died peacefully on Thursday in Ft. Collins, Colorado, after a brave battle with cancer, his representative Alan Somers told TMZ. The actor’s family is heartbroken but comforted by the outpouring of love and admiration from fans and loved ones.
Somers shared that Ashton’s legacy is one of “love, dedication, and service,” and his memory will continue to be celebrated by his family—including his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and extended family—and everyone who was lucky enough to know him.
John Ashton at Grauman”s Chinese Theatre on May 17, 2010, in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
To honor Ashton’s life and legacy, his family has asked that any donations be made in his memory to Pathways Hospice Care.
Ashton was a Hollywood powerhouse for 50 years, lighting up the screen with more than 200 film, TV, and stage performances. While he had an impressive career, it was his role as the straight-laced detective alongside Eddie Murphy’s wild cop character, Axel Foley, that truly made him a household name.
Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold and John Ashton on the set of ‘Beverly Hills Cop II’, directed by Tony Scott, USA, 1987. | Source: Getty Images
With Judge Reinhold rounding out the trio as the endearing Detective Billy Rosewood, Ashton’s character provided the perfect contrast to the dynamic energy that defined “Beverly Hills Cop.” The film’s success solidified his place in the action-comedy genre, ensuring that his performance continues to resonate with audiences today.
In July, the franchise’s fourth installment, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” premiered. In an interview, Ashton reflected on the long-awaited sequel, mentioning that it had been in development for over 20 years before finally making its debut.
Judge Reinhold, Eddie Murphy, and John Ashton at Netflix’s premiere of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, on June 20, 2024 | Source: Getty Images
He explained that discussions had been filled with uncertainty, with constant shifts in involvement from various people, which led him to move on with his life. At the time he received the call about the film, he was in Chicago working on another project.
After finishing that film, he flew to L.A. to meet with director Mark Molloy. Ashton recognized that the film wouldn’t proceed without Murphy’s approval of the script.
He expressed confidence in Murphy’s intelligence and mentioned that once Murphy gave the green light and Jerry Bruckheimer joined the project, he knew it was time to commit fully.
Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, and John Ashton at the Mann Chinese 6 on May 17, 2010, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Another notable role for Ashton was in the 1988 action-comedy, “Midnight Run,” where he played a rival bounty hunter to Robert De Niro’s character, Jack Walsh. In discussing his role, Ashton recounted how he landed the part alongside De Niro.
He shared that during the audition, about 30 other actors were in the hallway, all feeling nervous about reading with De Niro. In contrast to the others, Ashton was excited and confidently declared that “nobody’s getting this role but me.”
John Ashton attends Netflix’s premiere of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, June 20, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
When he entered the audition room, he and De Niro chatted briefly before diving into the scene. Ashton remembered a moment when he exclaimed, “Give me the keys, Jack. Give me the keys.” Instead of handing him the keys, De Niro started to give him matches.
When De Niro threw the matches on the floor and stared at him, Ashton boldly responded with a curse word, and De Niro shot back with one of his own.
Ashton later discovered that while most actors would have picked up the matches and handed them back, De Niro appreciated his defiance and immediately expressed a desire to work with him. Ashton noted that he and De Niro got along great throughout the film.
The actor, known for his diverse range of roles, also made notable appearances in “M*A*S*H” and played Eric Stoltz’s father in the John Hughes comedy-drama “Some Kind of Wonderful.”
John Ashton at the “Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time” Los Angeles premiere at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre on May 17, 2010, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
His acting journey began at a young age when he secured his first professional role in the premiere production of “Othello” at the Hartford Stage Company. From there, he honed his craft performing in summer stock on Cape Cod, Massachusetts, starring in “Dark at the Top of the Stairs” and “The Gazebo.”
Within a few years, Ashton was touring Europe with the USA Festival Theater Tour, showcasing his talent in 15 different productions in repertory at esteemed venues in Germany, Cambridge, London, and the prestigious Edinburgh Arts Festival in Scotland.
John Ashton attends Netflix’s premiere of “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” at the Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts in Beverly Hills, California, June 20, 2024. | Source: Getty Images
Throughout his career, he continued to demonstrate his acting prowess, earning critical acclaim for his role in “Once Upon a River,” which garnered him the LA Method Fest award for Best Supporting Actor.
He also appeared in the 2020 action drama, “Death in Texas,” the 2019 comedy, “American Christmas,” and the 2019 fantasy drama, “My Little Baby,” among others.
John Ashton poses during a portrait session in Hollywood, California, in 1989 | Source: Getty Images
Ashton was not just a remarkable talent on screen; he was also a devoted family man who cherished his loved ones. He leaves behind a loving legacy through his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, and his children, Michelle and Michael Thomas Ashton.
His heart expanded even further to embrace his stepchildren—Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio, and Ashley Hoye—and his cherished grandson, Henry, who brought him immense joy. He is also survived by his sisters, Sharon Ann Ashton and Linda Jean Ashton, along with his brother, Edward Richard Ashton.
Though he was preceded in death by his parents, the warmth and love he shared will continue to resonate within his family and the many lives he touched throughout his extraordinary journey.