The “Beverly Hills Cop” actor was 76 years old

John Ashton, known for playing John Taggert in Beverly Hills cop and its various sequels, is dead. He was 76 years old.

Ashton died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, his manager Alan Somers said The Hollywood journalist. The cause of death was not immediately available.

Detective Sergeant John Taggart appeared in the first two Beverly Hills cop film, alongside Eddie Murphy as Judge Reinhold. Ashton resumed the role – now promoted to chief constable – in 2024 Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

In addition to the Beverly Hills Cop series, Ashton has appeared in TV movies spanning over half a century, including those in 1973. An eye for an eye1974 So wicked, my sister1976 Murkil the cat and the silks1979 Borderline and 1981 Honky Tonk Highway.

Most recently, he held roles in 2006 Sweet deadly dreams2007 Gone, darling, gone2009 Middle men and 2023 Lone soldier. On television, he starred in shows such as DoveOh, History of the Police, Barnaby Jones, AND MASH.

ON Dallas in 1978-79, he played Willie Jo Garr, a business partner of JR's (Larry Hagman) who accidentally causes the death of JR's former secretary and lover Julie Gray (Tina Louise).

John David Ashton was born on February 22, 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts. His parents were Edward Richard Ashton Sr. and Eva May Ashton, who raised him in Enfield, Connecticut. He attended Enfield High School and Defiance College before transferring to the University of Southern California, where he majored in theater arts.

Ashton is survived by his sisters, Sharon Ann Ashton and her husband, Montana State District Judge Kenneth R. Neill, Linda Jean Ashton and brother Edward Richard (Ann) Ashton, Jr. He was preceded in death by his parents.

A celebration of life service will be held at a future date. The family requests that any donations in John's memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care, 305 Carpenter Road, Ft. Collins, CO80525.

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