Hollywood is in mourning for a star it knew and loved, as actor Judge Reinhold pays homage to his “sarge” and “brother” John Ashton, recently departed from this life. Best known for his part in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, Ashton made an indelible niche both within fans and within his colleagues’ hearts with his quick wit, down-to-earth performances, and easy, genuine camaraderie.
Emotionally, Reinhold fondly reminisced about his larger-than-life on-screen partner Ashton: “John was more than my on-screen partner. He is family. We laughed, fought, and supported each other through everything.” Speaking of the onetime long-standing battle with health issues of Ashton, Reinhold quipped, “There’s no smoking in heaven, John. They’re going to take your cigars at the gate!
Taggart, the rough but lovable, was just the right character to put against Axel Foley from Eddie Murphy and Billy Rosewood as portrayed by Reinhold, and Beverly Hills Cop found its way into the annals of action comedies for the 1980s. His balance of stern authority with moments of vulnerability, which makes his character unforgettable.
The very reason their pages are filled with tributes is that Ashton has carried humility through all his engagements both on- and off-screen. Even world-renowned Eddie Murphy had to tweet over his loss by saying, “John brought authenticity to everything he touched. He made Beverly Hills Cop what it was—a perfect mix of heart and humor.”.
However, aside from his own contribution in Beverly Hills Cop, Ashton has a career that spanned years and remarkable performances in Midnight Run among his other television shows. It was for Taggart that he won an area in generations of viewers’ hearts and earned the title of a Hollywood icon.
Passing away will conclude an era, but his undying memories through his performances and influence to his peers are really beyond comparison. Reinhold closed his tribute in a poignant farewell: “Rest easy, partner. The precinct won’t be the same without you, but your spirit will always guide us.”
Hollywood has lost a true legend, but the warmth, talent, and infectious humor of John Ashton will continue to be treasured in fans’ and colleagues’ memories.
