‘Beverly Hills Cop’ Actor John Ashton dies at 76 – now family makes last request

John Ashton, who was best known for playing Detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” movies has sadly passed away at the age of 76 years old. Now his family is making a request.

Keep reading to learn more.

John Ashton, who was best known for playing the role of Detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” movies, died peacefully in Ft. Collins, Colorado, this past Thursday. The late actor has left many people, including his family and friends, heartbroken.

He passed away after a brave battle with cancer, according to his representative, Alan Somers. Somers said in a statement that the legacy Ashton leaves behind is one of “love, dedication, and service,” and his family will continue to celebrate his life. He leaves behind his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and more.

To celebrate the late actors’ life and legacy, the family is asking for donations to be made to Pathways Hospice Care in his memory.

Ashton was a popular name in Hollywood for over 50 years; he lit up screens with more than 200 film, TV, and stage performances. While fans loved many of his roles, it was his portrayal of as a straight-laced detective alongside Eddie Murphy’s wild cop character, Axel Foley, that made him a household name.

Ashton’s character of Detective Billy Rosewood’s energy provided the perfect contrast to his co-star’s character.

The film was a major success and cemented Ashton’s name and presence in Hollywood. In July this year, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” premiered. In an interview, Ashton revealed how the film had been 20 years in the making before finally being released.

He said there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the film, so much so, that he gave up on the idea and moved on with other projects. By the time he received a call for the film, he was working on another project in Chicago.

After he finished his film, he went to L.A. to meet director Mark Molloy. Ashton knew the film could only proceed if Murphy approved the script.

He said he knew when Murphy greenlit the script and Jerry Bruckheimer joined the project, that was when he could fully commit to it as well.

Other notable roles the actor played were appearances in the show “M*A*S*H” and he also had a role as Eric Stoltz’s father in the John Hughes comedy-drama “Some Kind of Wonderful.”

He started his career at a young age, with his first professional role being in a production of “Othello” at the Hartford Stage Company. He later went on to tour the world in theater productions.

His acting was greatly appreciated with his role in “Once Upon a River,” getting him an LA Method Fest award for Best Supporting Actor.

He also made appearances in, 2020’s “Death in Texas,” the 2019’s “American Christmas,” and the 2019’s, “My Little Baby,” among others.

Apart from his career, he was also a loving family man. He leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, and his children, Michelle and Michael Thomas Ashton.

He is also survived by his stepchildren Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio, and Ashley Hoye and grandson, Henry, his sisters, Sharon Ann Ashton and Linda Jean Ashton, along with his brother, Edward Richard Ashton.

READ MORE

We are sending John Ashton’s family our thoughts and prayers as they grieve his loss. Share this with other fans so they can send their condolences as well.