Beverly Hills Cop star John Ashton dies aged 76

Actor John Ashton has passed away at the age of 76, his management has confirmed.

Ashton's acting career spanned over 50 years and he was best known for playing Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the film series Beverly Hills Cop - starring alongside the likes of Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold.

On Thursday (September 26), he died at the age of 76 in Fort Collins, Colorado, having previously been diagnosed with cancer, his manager, Alan Somers, confirmed to multiple outlets.

John Ashton in 1984's Beverly Hills Cop (Paramount Pictures)

His management said in a statement to The Independent: "John was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

"John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service. His memory will forever be treasured 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."

And it's not taken long for fans of the star to flood to social media to commemorate him and pay their respects to his family and loved ones.

Ashton passed away at the age of 76 (VALERIE MACON/AFP via Getty Images)

One Twitter user wrote: "My entry into John Ashton’s career was his role as the dad in SOME KIND OF WONDERFUL. He loved working in theater (won a drama critics award!) & settled for doing films & TV shows because he loved acting. BEVERLY HILLS COP & MIDNIGHT RUN, all better because of him. #RIPJohnAshton."

Another added: "The passing of John Ashton made me want to rewatch Midnight Run, that little masterpiece with its generous cast: Robert De Niro, Charles Grodin, and Yaphet Kotto all shine, complemented by @dannyelfman 's extraordinary music."

A third commented: "Today is a sad day in the entrainment world to hear the passing of actor #JohnAshton one of the best in the business to have ever done it the role of Detective John Taggart can only be played by one person. John Ashton made that role possible. Rest in heaven, buddy."

And a fourth added: "R.I.P JOHN ASHTON. MY THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS GO OUT TO THE ASHTON FAMILY."

Alongside playing DS Taggart, Ashton also starred in the likes of Some Kind of Wonderful and She's Having a Baby, most recently appearing in 2024's Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

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