Actor John Ashton, best known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, has sadly passed away. According to TMZ, the 76-year-old thespian breathed his last due to cancer complications. The news has sent shockwaves throughout the entertainment industry, with fans and well-wishers expressing their grief and tribute to the late actor on social media.
Ashton was a Springfield, Massachusetts native who made a name for himself in Hollywood with a whopping over 200 acting credits to his name. The actor was indeed a talented force to be reckoned with in the film industry. His portrayal of the straight-laced Detective Sergeant John Taggart was seen as the perfect foil to Eddie Murphy's comedic genius as Axel Foley in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise.
The franchise, which debuted in 1984, went on to become a critical and commercial success. Its blend of action, comedy, and Eddie Murphy's chemistry with Ashton and Judge Reinhold, his on-screen colleagues, catapulted the film to cult status. Meanwhile, John Ashton's other notable credits include appearances in films and TV shows such as 'Midnight Run', 'Bordello of Blood', 'The Tommyknockers' and many more.
John Ashton's legacy may be greatly diminished, but he would continue to be cherished by fans of 80s movies and those who admired his excellent talent. And while Ashton would not be able to play any role in the future, nostalgia will be seeing some of his all-time hits repeatedly coming back to stay.