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John Ashton, known for his role as John Taggart in Eddie Murphy’s Beverly Hills cop films, has died at the age of 76, his manager confirmed on Sunday (September 29).

Ashton died “peacefully” on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, after a battle with cancer

“John was a loving husband, brother, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” read a statement shared with The independent.

“John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication and service. His memory will be forever cherished by his wife, children, grandchildren, as well as his brother, sisters, his extended family and all who loved him. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

Ashton was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, in 1948. After attending Defiance College in Defiance, Ohio for two years, he transferred to the University of Southern California and graduated with a BA in theater arts.

His early film credits include roles in An eye for an eye (1973), Break away (1979), Boundary line (1980), Honky Tonk Highway (1981), Last resort (1986) and King Kong lives (1986).

After the first role of Sergeant Taggart in 1984 Beverly Hills cop with Murphy and Judge Reinhold, Ashton reprized the role for the 1987 sequel and recently returned for Netflix’s Beverly Hills agent: Axel F (2024).

Ashton talked about the fame that the comedy franchise brought him Comic Book Resources earlier this year: “I’m walking down the street and people say, ‘Hey Taggart! Hey Taggart!’ You know, when it first happened, I got a little upset because I had done so many other things.

“I said, ‘Well, you know, I’ve done more things than just Taggart.’ As the years have passed, I really enjoy it now. There aren’t many actors who can leave their mark on a role that will stay with them forever, so I now consider that an honor.”

Ashton appeared as the father of Eric Stoltz’s character in the John Hughes-penned 1987 comedy Kind of miraculousand worked with Hughes again She’s having a baby in 1988.

The same year, he played the role of Robert De Niro’s rival bounty hunter Midnight run.

Often characterized as authority figures, Ashton next played park ranger Douglas Pine Meet the Deedles (1996), a ruthless prison guard Instinct (1999) and Detective Nick Poole in Ben Affleck’s Gone, baby, gone (2007).

His other film credits include Curly Sue (1991), Little big competition (1994), Middle men (2009) and Once upon a time there was a river (2019). On television he starred in episodes of Columbus, Wonder Woman, M*A*S*H, Starsky & Hutch, Dallas, The A-team, The twilight zone, Emie judge And Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.

Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, as well as his children Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton, his stepchildren Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio and Ashley Hoye, and his grandson Henry.