“Beverly Hills Cop” actor was 76

John Ashton, known for his role as John Taggert Beverly Hills police officer and its various sequels has died. He was 76.

Ashton died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, said his manager Alan Somers The Hollywood Reporter. A cause of death could not initially be determined.

Detective Sergeant John Taggart appeared in the first two Beverly Hills police officer Films, alongside Eddie Murphy as and Judge Reinhold. Ashton took on the role again – now promoted to police chief – in 2024 Beverly Hills cop: Axel F.

In addition to the Beverly Hills Cop series, Ashton appeared in television films for over half a century, including in the 1973s Eye for an eye1974s So bad, my sister1976s Murkil the cat and the silks1979s Border and 1981 Honky Tonk Freeway.

He last held roles in 2006 Sweet deadly dreams2007 Gone, baby gone2009 Middle men and 2023 Lonely soldier. On television he had guest appearances in series such as ColumbO, Police Story, Barnaby Jones, And MASH.

To Dallas In 1978–79, he played Willie Jo Garr, a business partner of JR’s (Larry Hagman) who accidentally causes the death of JR’s former secretary and lover, Julie Gray (Tina Louise).

John David Ashton was born on February 22, 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts. His parents were Edward Richard Ashton Sr. and Eva May Ashton, who raised him in Enfield, Connecticut. He attended Enfield High School and Defiance College before attending the University of Southern California, where he earned a BA in Theater Arts.

Ashton is survived by his sisters Sharon Ann Ashton and her husband, Montana State District Judge Kenneth R. Neill, Linda Jean Ashton and his brother Edward Richard (Ann) Ashton, Jr.

There will be a life service at a later date. The family requests that all donations in John’s memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care, 305 Carpenter Road, Ft. to direct. Collins, CO 80525.