John Ashton, the esteemed character actor known for his portrayal of the gruff yet endearing Detective John Taggart in the *Beverly Hills Cop* films, has passed away at the age of 76. His family announced his death on Sunday, following his passing on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado. The cause of death has not yet been disclosed.
Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton carved out a remarkable career over five decades in Hollywood, featuring in more than 200 film, television, and stage productions. He gained significant recognition for his role alongside Robert De Niro in the 1988 action-comedy *Midnight Run*, showcasing his talent in both dramatic and comedic roles.
However, it was his performance in the 1984 blockbuster *Beverly Hills Cop*, alongside a rising star Eddie Murphy, that truly solidified his status as a household name. As Taggart, Ashton’s portrayal of the no-nonsense detective became iconic, earning him admiration from fans and peers alike.
John Ashton had a prolific career, appearing in a wide range of films and television productions. Below is a comprehensive list of his work:
| Year | Title | Type |
|————-|—————————————————-|—————————|
| 1973 | An Eye for an Eye | Film |
| 1974 | So Evil, My Sister | Film |
| 1975 | My Father’s House | TV |
| 1976 | Cat Murkil and the Silks | Film |
| 1977 | MAS*H | TV |
| 1977 | Oh, God! | Film |
| 1978 | The Wilds of Ten Thousand Islands | TV |
| 1978 | Lawman Without a Gun | Film |
| 1980 | Breaking Away | Film |
| 1980 | Borderline | Film |
| 1981 | Elvis and the Beauty Queen | TV |
| 1981 | Honky Tonk Freeway | Film |
| 1984 | The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension | Film |
| 1984 | Superdetective en Hollywood | Film |
| 1985 | The A-Team | TV |
| 1986 | Last Resort | Film |
| 1986 | The Deliberate Stranger | TV |
| 1986 | King Kong Lives | Film |
| 1987 | Some Kind of Wonderful | Film |
| 1987 | Superdetective en Hollywood 2 | Film |
| 1988 | She’s Having a Baby | Film |
| 1988 | Midnight Run | Film |
| 1989 | I Want to Go Home | Film |
| 1991 | Curly Sue | Film |
| 1991 | Saturday’s | TV |
| 1992 | Dirty Work | TV |
| 1993 | Los Tommyknockers | TV |
| 1994 | Little Big League | Film |
| 1994 | Atrapados en el paraíso | Film |
| 1995 | In the Living Years | Film |
| 1995 | Hidden Assassin | Film |
| 1996 | For Which He Stands | Film |
| 1996 | Fast Money | Film |
| 1997 | Little Girls in Pretty Boxes | TV |
| 1998 | Meet the Deedles | Film |
| 1998 | The Day Lincoln Was Shot | TV |
| 1999 | Avalanche (aka Escape from Alaska) | Film |
| 2001 | Bill’s Gun Shop | Film |
| 2003 | Family | TV Miniseries |
| 2005 | Jane Doe: Til Death Do Us Part | TV |
| 2006 | Sweet Deadly Dreams | Film |
| 2007 | Reign of the Gargoyles | TV |
| 2007 | Gone Baby Gone | Film |
| 2009 | Middle Men | Film |
| 2009 | A Letter to Dad | Film |
| 2015 | Uncle John | Film |
| 2017 | The Neighborhood | TV |
| 2017 | My Little Baby | Film |
| 2018 | The Joke Thief | Film |
| 2024 | Superdetective en Hollywood: Axel F. | Film |
This extensive filmography reflects John’s diverse talents and his impact on the entertainment.
Ashton’s contributions to the entertainment industry extend beyond his most famous roles. His versatile performances left an indelible mark on both film and television, earning him a cherished place in the hearts of audiences. He will be remembered not just for his memorable characters, but also for his dedication to his craft.
John Ashton’s legacy will continue to resonate with fans, as his performances remain timeless in the realm of cinema. His work has inspired countless actors and delighted audiences, ensuring that his memory will live on in the world of entertainment.
