John Ashton, 'Beverly Hills Cop' star, dies at 76

John Ashton, known for his starring role in Beverly Hills police officer Films, died. He was 76.

According to an obituary shared by his manager with PEOPLE, Ashton died on Thursday, September 26, in Ft. Collins, Colorado, after a cancer diagnosis. TMZ was first to report the news.

Born in Springfield, Massachusetts in 1948, Ashton began his theater career touring with companies in the United States and Britain before moving to Los Angeles to work in television.

He made dozens of appearances in well-known series from the 1970s to the 2000s, including Kojak, Columbo, Police story, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, The Tracey Ullman Show, M*A*S*H And Starsky & Hutch. Ashton also had a recurring role in Dallas, plays the character Willie Joe Garr.

Ashton's best-known work came in 1984 when he played hard-boiled police officer John Taggart opposite Eddie Murphy Beverly Hills police officer. He remained in this role for the remainder of the comedy series, appearing in 1987 Beverly Hills Cop II and most recently in 2024 Beverly Hills cop: Axel F.

The late actor starred in many other films over the years including Midnight run alongside Robert De Niro, Little Big League, kind of wonderful, She's having a baby And Gone, baby gone.

Most recently, he turned to and hosted sports radio Ashton and Davis Show on 870 ESPN Radio in Colorado.

Outside of his entertainment career, Ashton was an avid golf lover and “constantly tried new techniques to improve his game and ensured he acquired the newest and most up-to-date equipment,” his obituary states.

“However, it was his work as an actor/entertainer in theater, film and television where his skill and commitment were most clearly demonstrated. John dedicated his career to honing his craft and bringing characters to life on screen,” the obituary continued. “His presence will be greatly missed.”

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“John leaves a legacy of love, dedication and service,” his obituary continued. “John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye. children Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton; stepchildren Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio and Ashley Hoye; grandson Henry; sisters Sharon Ann Ashton and Linda Jean Ashton; and brother Edward Richard Ashton. His parents died before him.

His family is asking for donations to Pathways Hospice Care in Colorado.