A veteran actor from Massachusetts who was a part of the iconic trio in the “Beverly Hills Cops” movies has died. He was 76.
John Ashton, known for his role as Sgt. John Taggart in the film series, passed away peacefully in Fort Collins, Colorado on Thursday, Sept. 26, according to the actor’s obituary sent to MassLive.
“John was an avid reader and had many passions including acting, golf, and watching his favorite teams-the NY Yankees and NY Giants,” the obituary reads. “However, it was his work as an actor/entertainer in theater, film and television where his skill and dedication were most clearly demonstrated.”
With a career spanning over five decades, Ashton appeared in more than 200 stage, film, and television productions, his IMDb biography states.
Born on Feb. 22, 1948 in Springfield, Ashton grew up in Enfield, Connecticut and graduated from Enfield High School in 1966, the obituary states. Ashton’s first professional acting role was in a production of “Othello” at the Hartford Stage Company when he was young. He went on to star in productions of “Dark at the Top of the Stairs” and “The Gazebo” on Cape Cod, his IMDb biography states.
Ashton attended Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio for two years and then transferred to the University of Southern California graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theater Arts. He continued performing on stage before branching into television and film, starting with his role as Sgt. Matthews in the 1973 horror film “The Psychopath.”
He appeared in over two dozen more films and television series before first appearing in the hit film “Beverly Hills Cop” in 1984.
Ashton, who starred alongside Eddie Murphy (Axel Foley) and Judge Reinhold (Billy Rosewood), reprised his role in the 1987 sequel and 2024 reboot.
Ashton was also known for his roles in “Midnight Run,” “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “Little Big League,” “The Duke” and “Gone Baby Gone.”
He also had a recurring role as Willie Joe Garr in the CBS soap opera “Dallas” (1978-79) and starred as Charlie Battles in the crime drama “Hardball” from 1989-90.
Along with his cast mates from “Gone Baby Gone,” Ashton received a Critics Choice Award in 2008 for Best Acting Ensemble in 2008. He also won the LA Method Fest award for Best Supporting Actor for his 2019 film “Once Upon a River,” according to Ashton’s IMDb biography.
“John devoted his career to honing his craft and bringing characters to life on the screen,” his obituary reads. “His presence will be greatly missed.”
Ashton is survived by his wife, two children, three stepchildren, a grandson, two sisters and brother, according to his obituary.
A Celebration of Life service has yet to be scheduled. Ashton’s family is asking that any donations in the actor’s memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care in Fort Collins, Colorado.
