John Ashton, Beverly Hills Cop Star, Dies at 76

John Ashton, known for his starring role in Beverly Hills Cop movies, he died. He was 76 years old.

According to an obituary shared with PEOPLE by his manager, Ashton died Thursday, Sept. 26, in Ft. Collins, Colo., after a cancer diagnosis. TMZ first broke the news.

Born in 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton began his career in theatre, touring with companies across the US and UK, before moving to Los Angeles to work in television.

He appeared in dozens of famous series from the 1970s to the 2000s, including Kojak, Columbo, A police story, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Tracey Ullman Show, M*A*S*H and Starsky & Hutch. Ashton also had a recurring role in Dallas, playing character Willie Joe Garr.

From left: John Ashton, Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold in ‘Beverly Hills Cop’.

CBS via Getty

Ashton’s most famous work came in 1984, when he played the tough cop John Taggart opposite Eddie Murphy in the film Beverly Hills Cop. He remained in the role until the end of the comedy franchise, which appeared in 1987 Beverly Hills Cop II and, most recently, in 2024 Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

The late actor has starred in many other films over the years including Midnight run with Robert De Niro, Little Big League, kind of wonderful, She is having a child and Gone Baby Gone.

From left: John Ashton, Amy Ryan and Ed Harris in ‘Gone Baby Gone’ in 2007.

Miramax Films/Kobal/Shutterstock

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He recently turned to sports radio, where he hosted The Ashton and Davis Show on 870 ESPN Radio in Colorado.

Outside of his entertainment career, Ashton was an avid golfer and was “always trying out new techniques to improve his game and making sure he acquired the latest and most up-to-date equipment,” his obituary said.

“However, it was his work as an actor/entertainer in theatre, film and television where his skill and dedication were most clearly demonstrated. John dedicated his career to honing his craft and bringing characters to life on screen,” the obituary continued. “His presence will be sorely missed.”

John Ashton (left) and Eddie Murphy in ‘Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F’.

Melinda Sue Gordon/Netflix

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“John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication and service,” his obituary continued. “John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye; children Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton; stepdaughters Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio and Ashley Hoye; grandson Henry; sisters Sharon Ann Ashton and Linda Jean Ashton; and a brother, Edward Richard Ashton. He was preceded in death by his parents.

His family requests that all donations be made to Pathways Hospice Care of Colorado.

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Source: HIS Education