A Tribute to a Beloved Actor, John Ashton, dies at 76

Published on September 30, 2024 | Published By: Aayushma | In Career , Death

Source: Cinema Online

John Ashton died on Thursday, September 26, in Fort Collins, Colorado.
Alan Somer, his long-term manager, revealed that he had been diagnosed with cancer.
John is most recognized for his role as Detective John Taggart in the first two “Beverly Hills Cop” films.

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John Ashton sadly passed away

RIP! John Ashton is no longer alive among us. The veteran character actor died on Thursday, September 26, in Fort Collins, Colorado, as confirmed by his family.

He was 76 at the time of his death. Alan Somer, John’s long-term manager, confirmed to CBS News on Sunday, September 29, that John had been diagnosed with cancer.

Alan paid a heartfelt tribute to John, describing him as a “loving husband, sibling, father, and grandfather,” whose absence would be deeply missed by all those who knew him. He added,

John Ashton died at the age of 76 — John Ashton has died at the age of 76 (Source: X.com)

“John devoted his career to honing his craft and bringing characters to life on the screen. His presence will be greatly missed. 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.”

John is survived by his wife Robin Hoye, two children, Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton, and three step-children. Additionally, he leaves behind a grandson, Henry. The actor also has two sisters, Sharon Ann Ashton and Linda Jean Ashton, and one brother, Edward Richard Ashton Jr.

In honor of John, the family requests that any donations made in memory of him be directed to Pathways Hospice Care.

Also read: A tribute to Golden Globe-winning star Barbara Rush, dies at 97

Reflecting on John Ashton’s Journey to Hollywood

John Ashton spanned more than 50 years of his career in the entertainment industry. He made his acting debut in the 1973 film “The Psychopath” and went on to appear in nearly 100 movies.

Ashton is most recognized for his role as Detective John Taggart in the first two “Beverly Hills Cop” films, where he starred alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. He returned to that role in the 2024 film “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” where his character was promoted to police chief.

In the 1988 buddy comedy “Midnight Run,” directed by Martin Brest, Ashton portrayed a more unscrupulous character. He played a rival bounty hunter chasing after Charles Grodin’s character, who was an accountant wanted by the law while under the custody of Robert De Niro‘s character, Jack Walsh.

John Ashton spanned over 50 years of career into entertainment industry (Source: Cinema Online)

In July, Ashton shared a memorable audition experience with De Niro during an interview with Collider. He recounted how De Niro threw matches on the floor while handing them to him.

Instead of picking them up, Ashton responded defiantly, saying, “F—- you.” De Niro appreciated the boldness and later expressed that he wanted Ashton for the role because he sought someone who could “stand up to him.”

His other film credits include “Some Kind of Wonderful,” “She’s Having a Baby,” “Midnight Run,” “Little Big League” and “Gone Baby Gone.”

On television, he had a recurring role as Willie Joe Garr in several episodes of “Dallas.” He also made guest appearances on popular shows like “Columbo,” “Police Squad!,” and “Hardball.”

Also read: The Life and Legacy of Eugene “Mercury” Morris: A Tribute

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