Actor John Ashton, best known for his role as Chief John Taggart in 'Beverly Hills Cop', has died. He was 76 years old.
John Ashton, 'Beverly Hills Cop' Actor, Dies at 76 https://t.co/vxjSqo9zBo
— Variety (@Variety) September 29, 2024
John Ashton, known for his role as John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colo., his manager Alan Somers confirmed to Variety. He was 76.
Ashton played Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the first two installments of the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, released in 1984 and 1987, alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. He reprised his role in 2024’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” in which his character is now a police chief.
Ashton's career was more prolific than the three 'Beverly Hills Cop' installments and included 'An Eye for an Eye' (1973), an uncredited role in the George Burns film 'Oh, God!' (1977), 'Borderline' (1980), 'Midnight Run' (1988), 'Little Big League' (1994), 'Gone Baby Gone' (2007), and 'All Happy Families' (2023). He also made guest appearances on several television shows including 'M*A*S*H', 'Law & Order: SVU', 'King of the Hill', and 'Police Squad!'
Damn it! No!
— AdamInHTown (@AdamInHTown) September 29, 2024
I'm glad he got to reprise the role of Taggart one last time.
R.I.P.
The last installment of 'Beverly Hills Cop' released July 3.
He looked so unhealthy in the Axel F movie. I hope he rests in peace.
— Gerry Kissell - Comic Artist Official Page (@gerrykissell) September 29, 2024
Farewell, sir. I hope wherever you go, you never have to hear another joke about "bananas in your tailpipe." https://t.co/Sbxg85f52U
Recommended
+1000 for the tailpipe banana reference.
Very sad to hear the passing of John Ashton.
— Gav (@zenith242) September 29, 2024
“Marvin, lookout”#RIPJohnAshton https://t.co/AAulrsy1rc pic.twitter.com/DrSalShHpi
From 'Midnight Run' with Robert De Niro.
John Ashton has sadly passed away at the age of 76. pic.twitter.com/zhToT7VMDw
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 29, 2024
He died following a battle with cancer.
Yeah, he didn't look particularly healthy in that new Beverly Hills Cop movie.
— Wade (@mreasycredit1) September 29, 2024
Talented actor. He was very good at being funny without playing it openly comic.
He has over 200 stage, film, and television credits to his name.
Beverly Hills Cop wouldn’t have been the same without John Ashton who heroically had to pinch his face to hold back laughter as Eddie Murphy made up this hilarious story about super cops pic.twitter.com/YObOlTg6Te
— James Crugnale (@jamescrugnale) September 29, 2024
You can see it in this scene.
My entry into John Ashton’s career was his role as the dad in SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL. He loved working in theater (won a drama critics award!) & settled for doing films & TV shows because he loved acting. BEVERLY HILLS COP & MIDNIGHT RUN, all better because of him. #RIPJohnAshton pic.twitter.com/EeqSRqc6iR
— Courtney Howard (@Lulamaybelle) September 29, 2024
The short interview in this post is worth a listen.
The fact that we got to see him one more time in his most iconic role, just a few short weeks ago, makes this news all the more sadder. As a character, Sgt. John Taggart felt more real because of John Ashton’s comedic timing.
— Emilio (@TheFilmMaestro) September 29, 2024
RIP King…pic.twitter.com/8WiLxTUuf8 https://t.co/1oeOwn5jFp
Ashton is survived by his wife, Robin Hoye, his children Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton, stepchildren Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio and Ashley Hoye, and a grandson named Henry.
Our sympathies to his family, friends, and loved ones.
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