‘Beverly Hills Cop’ star John David Ashton dies aged 76

John David Ashton has sadly passed away at the age of 76.

John Ashton has died aged 76. Credit: Kayla Oaddams / WireImage / Getty

The beloved actor – perhaps best known for his roles as John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop movie franchise – died on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, his manager confirmed to Variety.

“John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, children, grandchildren as well as his brother, sisters, his extended family, and all who loved him,” a representative for the actor told TMZ. “John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

Ashton had been battling cancer prior to his death.

John Ashton. Credit: George Rose / Getty

The actor amassed a huge following thanks to a career in Hollywood that spanned more than 50 years. In total, Ashton appeared in over 200 movies, television shows, and stage productions throughout his illustrious career.

However, fans probably fondly remember Ashton as the lovable Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop movies – in which, he starred opposite Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold.

Ashton played Taggart in the first two movies – released in 1984 and 1987 respectively – as Murphy’s character of Axel Foley slowly broke him down from a stern by-the-book cop to a fun-loving detective who wasn’t afraid to bend the rules.

John Ashton and Judge Reinhold during Filming of Beverly Hills Cop. Credit: Jeff Kravitz / Getty

After not appearing in the third movie in the franchise, he delighted fans by reprising the role in 2024’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F – with his character becoming a police chief.

In a recent interview with CBR, Ashton revealed that he used to become slightly annoyed as fans would only remember him for his role as Taggart from the Beverly Hills Cop movies – however, his perception of this changed over time.

“I walk down the street, and people go, ‘Hey Taggart! Hey Taggart!’ You know, when it first started happening, I got a little upset because I had done so many other things,” Ashton told CBR. “I said, ‘Well, you know, I’ve done more things than just Taggart.’

“As the years have gone on, I kind of really enjoy it now. There’s not too many actors that can put a stamp on a role that will be with them for eternity, so I take that as an honor now.”

Ashton with the cast of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Credit: John Sciull / Getty

Of course, Ashton had memorable roles in a host of movies – including So Evil, My Siste (1974) and Borderline (1980).

On the small screen, Ashton made guest appearances in a number of popular US TV shows, such as Columbo, MASH, Starsky and Hutch, and Dallas.

Our thoughts go out to Ashton’s family, friends, and fans at this time.

In lieu of flowers, the actor’s loved ones have also requested donations to be made to Pathways Hospice Care Center in his memory.