Hollywood Mourns John Ashton, ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ Actor, Dead At 76

John Ashton, beloved for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films, passed away Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, at the age of 76. His manager, Alan Somers, confirmed his death to Variety.

Ashton became a Hollywood favorite with his portrayal of Taggart, starring alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold in the original 1984 film and its 1987 sequel. He reprised his role in 2024’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, playing a now-promoted police chief, delighting longtime fans of the franchise.

Born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton grew up in Enfield, Connecticut. He attended Defiance College before transferring to the University of Southern California, where he earned his degree in theater arts. His love for acting led to a career spanning over 50 years, leaving an indelible mark on film and television.

Ashton’s career began in the early 1970s, with early film roles including An Eye for an Eye (1973) and Breaking Away (1979). He found further success in films such as Some Kind of Wonderful (1987) and Midnight Run (1988), showcasing his versatility. He also appeared in Ben Affleck’s Gone Baby Gone (2007), earning acclaim for his supporting role.

On television, Ashton made notable appearances in shows like MASH, Columbo, and The Twilight Zone, and starred in NBC’s crime drama Hardball.

He is survived by his wife, Robin Hoye, his children, stepchildren and extended family. Ashton’s warmth and versatility will be cherished by fans and colleagues alike. We at Mxdwn extend our condolences to the family of Ashton.

Ron Rocky Coloma: Ron Rocky Coloma is the Founder and Director of Entertainment Flair, an editor and a writer who specializes in entertainment, fashion and lifestyle journalism. He is passionate about telling the stories of designers, artists and creatives, bringing their narratives to life and showcasing their talent and vision. At Entertainment Flair, Coloma continues to innovate and elevate the art of storytelling, striving to inspire and engage audiences with every piece of content he creates, which is viewed by audiences in 62 countries. Throughout his career, Coloma has contributed to esteemed publications such as Pacific Daily News (formerly part of the Gannett and USA TODAY NETWORK), The Guam Daily Post, Pacific Island Times, Affinity Magazine, MINT Magazine, Peninsula Press and The Stanford Daily. These experiences have honed his ability to craft compelling stories that resonate with diverse audiences. Coloma has been invited to cover private industry shows at New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week, Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, Copenhagen Fashion Week, Tokyo Fashion Week and Seoul Fashion Week, further solidifying his standing in the industry. These opportunities have enriched his understanding of global fashion trends and the visionary minds behind them. A proud alumnus of Stanford University, Coloma earned both his bachelor’s degree in Communication and a master’s degree in Communication with a focus on Data Journalism, all within an accelerated timeframe of four years. His academic journey at Stanford equipped him with a unique blend of storytelling prowess and data-driven insights, enabling him to deliver impactful and well-rounded narratives.
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