Beverly Hills cop Star judge Reinhold has paid tribute to his long-time friend and colleague John Ashton, who has died aged 76 after a battle with cancer.

The duo memorably played the ‘by the book’ police partners Taggart and Rosewood in the hit comedy franchise starring Eddie Murphy. Ashton was the straight man and Rosewood the clown in what became a beloved comedy duo in the movies.

Reinhold said last night, “Thursday night it looked like John was asleep, but the Yankees were on. They won the game, clinched the division and John made it home. Forty years of laughter on screen and off. John LIVED his life! My brother, my partner, my sergeant – I love you. There’s no smoking in heaven, John.’

Ashton played in the first two Beverly Hills cop films and this year he reprized his role in the Netflix sequel Beverly Hills agent: Axel F.

A rep for Ashton told Deadline that the actor died “peacefully” on Thursday in Ft. Collins, CO.

“John was a loving husband, brother, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” a statement shared by the rep said.

“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.”

Additionally, Ashton appeared in films like Kind of miraculous (1987), Midnight run (1988), Curly Sue (1991), Little big competition (1994), Gone, baby, gone (2007), Middle men (2009) and Once upon a time there was a river (2019). His TV credits include 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.

Born February 22, 1948 in Springfield, MA and raised in Enfield, CT, Ashton attended Defiance College in Ohio before transferring to the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a BA in Theater Arts.

In addition to acting, Ashton was also an avid golfer, lending his talents to celebrity golf tournaments around the world for various purposes.

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