(ProsperNews.net) – John Ashton, the actor best known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the 1984 hit Beverly Hills Cop, has passed away at the age of 76. Ashton’s portrayal of the straight-laced Taggart, often exasperated by Eddie Murphy’s mischievous Detective Axel Foley, made him a beloved character in the blockbuster film, which led to three sequels. Ashton’s death was confirmed by his manager, Alan Somers, who shared a heartfelt statement with Fox News.
“John was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” Somers said. He added that Ashton’s legacy would live on through his family and his memorable work in film and television.
Ashton passed away at his home in Ft. Collins, Colorado, surrounded by his wife, Robin Hoye. He leaves behind two children, three stepchildren, and a grandson. Ashton’s career was marked by his dedication to acting, returning to the role of Taggart in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which was released on Netflix in July of this year.
Born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton was raised in Connecticut before moving to Southern California to pursue his acting career. He made his first on-screen appearance in the 1973 film An Eye for an Eye, fittingly playing a police sergeant. His career took off from there, with guest roles in a range of iconic 1970s TV shows such as Kojak, Columbo, Wonder Woman, and MASH.
Ashton’s filmography includes a diverse range of roles in movies like Borderline, Midnight Run, Some Kind of Wonderful, and Gone Baby Gone. Over the decades, he became known for his ability to bring depth to supporting roles, whether playing a cop, a criminal, or a father figure. His versatility was widely recognized in the entertainment industry.
Beyond his acting career, Ashton was passionate about golf and sports, particularly cheering for the New York Yankees and Giants. His obituary described him as an avid reader with a deep love for his craft, always striving to improve his performances on stage and screen. Ashton’s impact on Hollywood will be remembered by his colleagues and fans.
John Ashton’s talent and dedication to acting made him a memorable figure in Hollywood, and he will be missed by fans and colleagues alike.
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