On September 26, 2024, John David Ashton, a distinguished actor known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, passed away in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was 76.
The actor’s representative, Alan Somers, announced Ashton’s death, revealing that the actor was battling cancer. Ashton, a native of Springfield, Massachusetts, had a career in the entertainment industry that spanned over half a century, with roles in more than 200 productions on screen and stage.
Ashton, born in 1948, studied theater arts at the University of Southern California before paving his way in the acting industry. His breakthrough came with his role as the straight-laced Detective Sergeant Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, where he starred with Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. Ashton was featured in three of the four films in the franchise, starting with the first one in 1984.
His character was last seen in “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” which was released on Netflix earlier this year. In the recent sequel, Ashton’s character had been promoted to the rank of police chief, once again teaming up with Murphy’s humorous Axel Foley and Reinhold’s friendly Detective Billy Rosewood.
Throughout his career, Ashton proved his acting range by taking on various roles in both film and television. Some of his notable works include roles in the popular TV series “M*A*S*H,” the 1987 comedy-drama “Some Kind of Wonderful” alongside Lea Thompson and Eric Stoltz, and the 1988 action-comedy “Midnight Run,” where he shared the screen with Robert De Niro.
Ashton also appeared in films such as “Breaking Away,” “Gone Baby Gone,” and “An Eye for an Eye.” On television, he had a recurring role in the widely watched series “Dallas” in the late 1970s.
In a 2020 interview, Ashton discussed the rapport he had with his “Beverly Hills Cop” co-stars, Murphy and Reinhold. He credited director Martin Brest for fostering an environment that allowed for improvisation and organic character development.
Later in his career, Ashton shifted gears from acting to co-host the “Ashton and Davis Show” on 870 ESPN Radio, reflecting his love for sports.
Ashton’s dedication to his craft and his ability to portray characters vividly on screen will be remembered by his colleagues and fans. His representative, Alan Somers, told TMZ, “John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”
Ashton is survived by his wife, children, and step-children. A memorial service will be held at a later date. The family has requested that any donations in Ashton’s memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care in Larimer County, Colorado.
