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The Hollywood community has lost a few notable stars as of late and, sadly enough, yet another superb actor has left us. John Ashton – a veteran of the screen – has unfortunately died following a battle with cancer. While the seasoned performer amassed countless credits over the course of his lengthy career, he’s arguably best known for playing John Taggart in the fan-favorite Beverly Hills Cop franchise and Marvin Dorfler in the acclaimed comedy Midnight Run. Ashton was 76 at the time of his passing.
John Ashton’s death was confirmed by his manager, Alan Somers, who relayed the news to TMZ. Per the news outlet, Ashton reportedly died this past Thursday at his home in Ft. Collins, Colorado. Somers also shared a statement:
John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, children, grandchildren, as well as his brother, sisters, his extended family and all who loved him. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1948, the USC School of Theatre alum’s career began in earnest in the ‘70s, at which point he began appearing in smaller capacities in both films and TV shows. Among his earlier credits were guest appearances on shows like Kojak, Columbo, Barnaby Jones and Phyllis. When it comes to the films he appeared in early on, The Psychopath, Breaking Away and Borderline are on that list.
During the course of his career, John Ashton became well known for playing law enforcement officials, and atop that list is arguably his role as Beverly Hills Cop’s John Taggart. Ashton made his debut as the humorously grumpy, veteran cop in the Eddie Murphy-led series’ initial installment (one of the best ’80s movies), which was released in 1984. The actor went on to reprise Taggart in the 1987 sequel but didn’t appear in the 1994 threequel, much to fans’ disappointment.
Just this year, though, the late actor returned as Taggart for the 2024 movie release Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which was widely watched by Netflix subscription holders. CinemaBlend was actually able to speak to Mr. Aston about the film this past summer, during which he discussed his experience working with co-stars Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold again.
The Last Resort star eventually found more big-screen success when he reteamed with BHC‘s Martin Brest for 1988’s Midnight Run. In the film, the actor played bounty hunter Marvin Dorfler, starring alongside Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, Yaphet Kotto and more. The film ultimately proved to be a critical and financial success. The So Evil, My Sister alum also starred in other notable films during the ‘80s and the years that followed, including King Kong Lives, Some Kind of Wonderful, She’s Having a Baby, Instinct and Gone Baby Gone.
It’s honestly somewhat surreal knowing that John Ashton is no longer with us, especially considering that just a few months ago, he had embarked on a major press tour. However, what’s comforting is that amid that tour, he was able to soak in the excitement that a number of fans felt over Axel F, which was well reviewed. There’s also more solace to be found in the fact that Ashton’s exceptional work in some of the great action movies and more will remain with us forever.
We here at CinemaBlend extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of John Ashton during this time.