It has been reported by TMZ that John David Ashton, the actor who was most known for playing the role of the stern and methodical investigator in the “Beverly Hills Cop” trilogy, has officially passed away.
According to his representative, John passed away without any drama on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, following a courageous fight against cancer.
Although John performed in more than 200 film, television, and stage productions over the course of his fifty years in Hollywood, it is arguable that he became a household name when he co-starred opposite Eddie Murphy, who was just beginning his career at the time, in the 1984 picture “Beverly Hills Cop.”
The actor had roles in three of the four films that were produced by the ‘BHC’ franchise, including the most current one, which was made available on Netflix in this year and received favorable reviews from both fans and reviewers.
John portrayed the role of Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the series. He was the one who served as the “straight man” for Eddie’s pranks playing the role of Axel Foley. Detective Billy Rosewood, the character that Judge Reinhold portrayed, was a loving yet good-natured colleague.
In addition, the native of Springfield, Massachusetts had an appearance in the television show “M*A*S*H” and portrayed the role of Eric Stoltz’s father in the comedy-drama directed by John Hughes. He played a rival bounty hunter to Robert De Niro’s character in the action-comedy “Midnight Run” in 1988, which he co-starred in under the same name.
Co-hosting the “Ashton and Davis Show” on 870 ESPN Radio was his most recent work, which he did in addition to appearing in the fourth installment of the “BHC” film series.
“John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service,” Alan Somers, John’s representative, said in an interview with TMZ. His wife, children, and grandkids, as well as his brother, sisters, extended family, and everyone else who loved him, will always cherish his memory. His name will be remembered with affection. The influence that John had on the globe will be commemorated and honored for many and many years to come.
Pathways Hospice Care is the organization that the family asks for any memorial contributions to be made in John’s name.
He was 76 years old.