John Ashtonhas passed away. Ashton was a actor who played Sergeant John Taggart in theBeverly Hills Copfranchise and recently reprised his role inBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F. He was born on August 20, 2025 in Springfield, Massachusetts and began acting in 1973 after signing ontoThe Psychopath. He was best known for his performances intheBeverly Hills Copfranchise, andAxel Fproved to be one of his final roles.
According to a report byVariety,the actor tragically died at 76 years oldon Thursday, September 26, in Colorado. His manager, Alan Somers, confirmed his death, tellingTMZthat Ashton passed peacefully after a fight with cancer. Somers' full statement reflects Ashton’s lasting legacy:
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.
John Ashton Leaves A Powerful Legacy In Hollywood
Ashton’s legacy is most prevalent in his performance inBeverly Hills Cop. Alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold, he starred as the straight man John Taggart. The movie was nominated for Best Original Screenplay at the Academy Awards and received two nominations at the Golden Globe Awards. It brought in a $234 million total at the box office on a budget of just $13 million. The movie was such a success that three follow-ups were made. Unfortunately,Taggart did not appear inBeverly Hills Cop 3due to scheduling conflicts. His absence contributed to its disappointing reception.
Ashton appeared in over 200 productions throughout his life.
Beverly Hillsis not where his career began and ended, however. He appeared in prominent roles in the moviesMidnight Run(1988),King Kong Lives(1986), andHidden Assassin(1995). On the small screen, he appeared inDallas,MAS*H,King of the Hill,Hardball, andThe Day Lincoln Was Shot, alongside numerous more. In the coming years, he is still expected to appear inHot Bath an' a Stiff Drink 2andHot Bath, Stiff Drink, an' a Close Shave. Both movies are either completed or in post-production, sohis final works should see few changes.
Ashton’s Long Career Enhances His Memory
Beverly Hills Cop 5 Will Need To Honor Ashton
After the development ofAxel F, producer Jerry Bruckheimer and Eddie Murphy revealed thatBeverly Hills Cop 5is in development, though Netflix has not officially confirmed its approval. If the movie ever does get made, it should address Ashton’s legacy in the franchise. He was a key piece that made it so beloved, and he continued to appear in follow-ups throughout his life. Co-stars in his other projects will also likely work to honor his memory however they can.John Ashtonleft his mark on Hollywood and will always be remembered for his influence on the industry today.
Beverly Hills Cop
Cast
Eddie Murphy stars in Beverly Hills Cop as Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit police officer who travels to California to solve his friend’s murder. Directed by Martin Brest, the film was a critical and commercial success, spawning three sequels.
