What Role Did John Ashton Play On Beverly Hills Cop? Find Out As Veteran Actor Passes Away At 76

Reflecting upon the life of John Ashton, a man whose career spanned over four decades, I find myself deeply moved and profoundly appreciative. His journey, from humble beginnings in Springfield, Massachusetts to becoming a household name in Hollywood, is nothing short of inspiring.


In a moving tribute, we acknowledge John Ashton as an iconic actor who brought numerous beloved characters to life on the silver screen. Sadly, this talented individual passed away on September 26, 2024. His work in the Beverly Hills Cop movie series transcends description and remains unforgettable.

The late actor played the character of Detective Sergeant John Taggart in Beverly Hills Cop. He first stepped on to play the role back in 1984, starring alongside Eddie Murphy. John Taggart happens to be a hard-nosed police officer, as seen in the movies. 

John Ashton continued to make appearances in sequels of the same movie, playing his character again in both Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) and the most recent release, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024).

Apart from starring in the Dr. Dolittle movie series, I can’t help but mention my personal favorite role of Ashton’s – sharing the screen with the legendary Robert De Niro in the action-comedy “Midnight Run.” What a thrill that was!

During his TV career span, Ashton enjoyed significant popularity from the 1970s to the 2000s. He was often featured in various shows like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Kojak, Columbo, Police Story, M*A*S*H, The Tracey Ullman Show, and Starsky & Hutch.

Initially, the actor embarked on his acting journey within the realm of theater, performing with various troupes across the United States and the United Kingdom. Subsequently, he moved to Los Angeles, where he made a transition into television work, becoming a regular cast member in several series.

Besides Gone Baby Gone, John Aston has also been part of films like Little Big League, Some Kind of Wonderful, and She’s Having a Baby.

Over the past few years, I’ve transitioned from acting to hosting the dynamic Ashton and Davis Show on the esteemed 870 ESPN Radio station based in Colorado – a renowned sports broadcasting platform.

Hailing from Springfield, Massachusetts in 1948, John Ashton had a passion for golf alongside his acting career. According to his obituary, he was continually seeking innovative approaches to enhance his skills on the green, ensuring he possessed the newest and most modern golfing gear.

According to PEOPLE’s report, the obituary noted that Ashton had devoted his talents to acting and entertaining across various platforms, including stage productions, films, and television programs.

The obituary went on to say that since it was known the late actor had always put great emphasis on his career, his absence would be deeply felt.

Through Ashton’s manager, we received news of his passing, which took place in Ft. Collins, Colorado, after a battle with cancer, as confirmed by the information provided.

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2024-09-30 09:22