Hollywood has lost a seasoned actor in John Ashton, who rose to fame for his role as Sergeant John Taggart in the classic 1980s action-comedy Beverly Hills Cop. He has died at 76 years old, leaving behind a few iconic performances spanning decades.
John Ashton was born on February 22, 1947, in Springfield, Massachusetts. His acting career got underway in the late 1970s. He soon made his appearance on big screens and on televisions, but he became iconic in Hollywood by working with Eddie Murphy in the previous film, playing to type the no-nonsense, by-the-book police officer Taggart against Axel Foley’s wisecracking Axel Foley. Ashton’s comedic timing and gruff demeanour complemented Murphy’s chaotic and unorthodox style of law enforcement perfectly, so that the leading duo became one of the most iconic buddy-cop pairings of the 1980s.
Beverly Hills Cop, which came out in 1984, was an instant box office success, earning over $316 million worldwide. To make things better, two follow-ups were also successful. Ashton reprised his role in Beverly Hills Cop II in 1987, although he only managed to show up for the first and second films. However, having him there was what made one of the elements most memorable about the franchise. His character’s interplay with fellow cop Billy Rosewood, portrayed by Judge Reinhold, provided some of the film’s most memorable comedic moments.
Outside of Beverly Hills Cop, Ashton’s acting career was pretty eclectic, with some notable roles in films such as Midnight Run with Robert De Niro and Some Kind of Wonderful in 1987. Of course, he also gueststarred in many television series, including The A-Team, Columbo, Murder, She Wrote, and The Twilight Zone. The dexterity to flit among comedy, drama, and action established Ashton as versatile and dependable in the Hollywood stable.
Despite being a success behind the camera, Ashton more often than not flew low under the radar, content in letting the work speak for itself. He was, at all times, one of the down-to-earth figures within the industry, loved equally well by co-workers and audiences. Interviewed often, he spoke warmly about being involved in such beloved projects, often speaking highly about working on Beverly Hills Cop.
The death of Ashton will mark a very sad end to one era for fans of 1980s cinema, where he was merely a major staple in the action-comedy genre. He is survived by his family and a rich legacy of work that will continue to entertain audiences for years to come.
