

John Ashton, known for playing Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films, died on October 20th at his home in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was 76. Ashton had been battling cancer in recent weeks. His manager Alan Somers confirmed his passing.
Ashton worked as an actor for over 50 years. One of his most famous roles came in 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop, where he starred alongside Eddie Murphy. He returned to play Detective Taggart in the 1987 sequel and again in the recent Netflix film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Beyond that franchise, Ashton also appeared in hit comedies like Midnight Run alongside Robert De Niro.
Born in 1948 in Massachusetts, Ashton developed a passion for acting while earning his theater degree from the University of Southern California. He started his career with TV appearances in the 1970s on shows like Kojak and Mas*H. Ashton acted in over 100 films and TV shows throughout his career.
Ashton worked as an actor for over 50 years. One of his most famous roles came in 1984’s Beverly Hills Cop, where he starred alongside Eddie Murphy. He returned to play Detective Taggart in the 1987 sequel and again in the recent Netflix film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. Beyond that franchise, Ashton also appeared in hit comedies like Midnight Run alongside Robert De Niro.
Born in 1948 in Massachusetts, Ashton developed a passion for acting while earning his theater degree from the University of Southern California. He started his career with TV appearances in the 1970s on shows like Kojak and Mas*H. Ashton acted in over 100 films and TV shows throughout his career.
- 9/29/2024
- by Naser Nahandian
- Gazettely


Veteran character actor’s career spanned over 50 years in TV and films, including Little Big League and Midnight Run
John Ashton, the veteran character actor who memorably played the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films, has died. He was 76.
Ashton died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, his family announced in a statement released by Ashton’s manager, Alan Somers, on Sunday. No cause of death was immediately available.
John Ashton, the veteran character actor who memorably played the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films, has died. He was 76.
Ashton died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, his family announced in a statement released by Ashton’s manager, Alan Somers, on Sunday. No cause of death was immediately available.
- 9/29/2024
- by Associated Press
- The Guardian - Film News

Actor John Ashton, best known for the action-comedy Beverly Hills Cop franchise, has passed away. Ashton’s rep has issued a statement confirming his passing. He was 76 at the time of his death.
Ashton’s Family Has Asked For Donations In His Honor
In a statement with TMZ, Ashton’s rep Alan Somers confirmed he had passed away this past Thursday in Ft. Collins, Colorado. He was battling cancer at the time of his death.
According to the publication, Somers issued the following statement, “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 Ashton – YouTube
The publication noted that Ashton’s family any donations made be used for Pathways Hospice Care.
Ashton’s Family Has Asked For Donations In His Honor
In a statement with TMZ, Ashton’s rep Alan Somers confirmed he had passed away this past Thursday in Ft. Collins, Colorado. He was battling cancer at the time of his death.
According to the publication, Somers issued the following statement, “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 Ashton – YouTube
The publication noted that Ashton’s family any donations made be used for Pathways Hospice Care.
- 9/29/2024
- by John Witiw
- TV Shows Ace


John Ashton, known for playing John Taggert in Beverly Hills Cop and two sequels, has died. He was 76.
Ashton died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, after a brief battle with cancer, his manager, Alan Somers, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Ashton’s Detective Sergeant Taggart appeared in the first two Beverly Hills Cop movies in 1984 and 1987 alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. He returned as the character — now promoted to police chief — in 2024’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
Ashton also appeared in films and TV shows that spanned more than a half-century, including 1973’s An Eye for an Eye, 1974’s So Evil, My Sister, 1976’s Cat Murkil and the Silks, 1979’s Borderline and 1981’s Honky Tonk Freeway.
More recently, he had roles in 2006’s Sweet Deadly Dreams, 2007’s Gone Baby Gone, 2009’s Middle Men and 2023’s Lonesome Soldier. On television, he guest starred on Columbo, Police Story, Barnaby Jones and M*A*S*H.
Ashton died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, after a brief battle with cancer, his manager, Alan Somers, told The Hollywood Reporter.
Ashton’s Detective Sergeant Taggart appeared in the first two Beverly Hills Cop movies in 1984 and 1987 alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. He returned as the character — now promoted to police chief — in 2024’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
Ashton also appeared in films and TV shows that spanned more than a half-century, including 1973’s An Eye for an Eye, 1974’s So Evil, My Sister, 1976’s Cat Murkil and the Silks, 1979’s Borderline and 1981’s Honky Tonk Freeway.
More recently, he had roles in 2006’s Sweet Deadly Dreams, 2007’s Gone Baby Gone, 2009’s Middle Men and 2023’s Lonesome Soldier. On television, he guest starred on Columbo, Police Story, Barnaby Jones and M*A*S*H.
- 9/29/2024
- by Zoe G. Phillips
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News


John Ashton has died. Ashton’s manager, Alan Somers, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the Beverly Hills Cop star died on Thursday. No official cause of death has been announced. He was 76.
Ashton was a prolific character actor who starred in over 200 productions on stage and screen. Perhaps best known as Sgt.
Ashton was a prolific character actor who starred in over 200 productions on stage and screen. Perhaps best known as Sgt.
- 9/29/2024
- by Matt Schimkowitz
- avclub.com

John Ashton, known in part for his role as Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, has passed away. He was 76 years old.
Per TMZ, Ashton "died peacefully" at his Ft. Collins, Colorado home on Thursday. He had been living with cancer, which contributed to his death. The actor's family has requested donations in Ashton's memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care. Ashton's rep, Alan Somers, also shared a statement confirming his death.
"John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service," Somers said. "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. Johns impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come."
John David Ashton was born on Feb. 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts. His first movie role was in the 1973 movie The Psychopath, which he followed up with films like So Evil,...
Per TMZ, Ashton "died peacefully" at his Ft. Collins, Colorado home on Thursday. He had been living with cancer, which contributed to his death. The actor's family has requested donations in Ashton's memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care. Ashton's rep, Alan Somers, also shared a statement confirming his death.
"John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service," Somers said. "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. Johns impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come."
John David Ashton was born on Feb. 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts. His first movie role was in the 1973 movie The Psychopath, which he followed up with films like So Evil,...
- 9/29/2024
- by Jeremy Dick
- CBR

John Ashton has passed away. Ashton was a star who played Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise and recently reprised his role in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. He was born on February 22, 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts and began acting in 1973 after signing onto The Psychopath. He was best known for his performances in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, and Axel F proved to be one of his final roles.
According to a report by Variety, the actor tragically died at 76 years old on Thursday, September 26, in Colorado. His manager, Alan Somers, confirmed his death. Ashton's representative, Alan Somers, told TMZ that Ashton passed peacefully after a fight with cancer. Somers' full statement reflects Ashton's lasting legacy:
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.
According to a report by Variety, the actor tragically died at 76 years old on Thursday, September 26, in Colorado. His manager, Alan Somers, confirmed his death. Ashton's representative, Alan Somers, told TMZ that Ashton passed peacefully after a fight with cancer. Somers' full statement reflects Ashton's lasting legacy:
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.
- 9/29/2024
- by Lukas Shayo
- ScreenRant


John Ashton, the character actor who starred alongside Eddie Murphy in the Beverly Hills Cop series, has died at the age of 76.
The actor’s rep confirmed his death to TMZ, adding that Ashton died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado after a battle with cancer.
Ashton was best known for portraying Sgt. John Taggart alongside Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley and Judge Reinhold’s Det. Billy Rosewood in three of the four Beverly Hills Cop films: 1984’s original, the 1987 sequel Beverly Hills Cop II, and this year’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,...
The actor’s rep confirmed his death to TMZ, adding that Ashton died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado after a battle with cancer.
Ashton was best known for portraying Sgt. John Taggart alongside Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley and Judge Reinhold’s Det. Billy Rosewood in three of the four Beverly Hills Cop films: 1984’s original, the 1987 sequel Beverly Hills Cop II, and this year’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,...
- 9/29/2024
- by Daniel Kreps
- Rollingstone.com


John Ashton has sadly passed away.
The actor, best known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, died at 76, TMZ reported Sunday (September 29).
He died peacefully on Thursday (September 26) in Ft. Collins, Colorado after a battle with cancer, his rep told the outlet.
Keep reading to find out more…
John had appeared in three of the four Beverly Hills Cop movies, including the most recent one that premiered on Netflix earlier in 2024.
His many TV and movie credits also include M*A*S*H” and Some Kind of Wonderful, as well as Midnight Run. Most recently, he co-hosted the Ashton and Davis Show on 870 ESPN Radio.
John‘s rep Alan Somers said in a statement to TMZ: “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...
The actor, best known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, died at 76, TMZ reported Sunday (September 29).
He died peacefully on Thursday (September 26) in Ft. Collins, Colorado after a battle with cancer, his rep told the outlet.
Keep reading to find out more…
John had appeared in three of the four Beverly Hills Cop movies, including the most recent one that premiered on Netflix earlier in 2024.
His many TV and movie credits also include M*A*S*H” and Some Kind of Wonderful, as well as Midnight Run. Most recently, he co-hosted the Ashton and Davis Show on 870 ESPN Radio.
John‘s rep Alan Somers said in a statement to TMZ: “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...
- 9/29/2024
- by Just Jared
- Just Jared

Beverly Hills Cop star John Ashton has died at the age of 76. The actor was known for playing Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the film franchise opposite Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. Ashton died on Thursday, September 26 in Fort Collins, Colorado. His death was confirmed by his manager, Alan Somers, to Variety. Ashton’s rep told TMZ that the actor died peacefully after a battle with cancer. “John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and service,” Somers said in a statement. “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.” Ashton’s family requests that any donations in John’s memory be made to Pathways Hospice Care. Ashton recently reprised his role as John Taggart in the 2024 film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,...
- 9/29/2024
- TV Insider

John Ashton, known for his role as John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colo., his manager Alan Somers confirmed to Variety. He was 76.
Ashton played Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the first two installments of the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, released in 1984 and 1987, alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. He reprised his role in 2024’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” in which his character is now a police chief.
Ashton’s acting career spanned more than 50 years. His early film credits include “An Eye for an Eye” (1973), “So Evil, My Sister” (1974), “Cat Murkil and the Silks” (1976), “Breaking Away” (1979), “Borderline” (1980) and “Honky Tonk Freeway” (1981). He also guest starred on several television series during the ’70s, including “Emergency!,” “Columbo,” “Police Story,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Police Woman,” “Mash,” “Starsky and Hutch” and “Dallas.”
Ashton portrayed Cliff Nelson, father of Eric Stoltz’s Keith Nelson, in the 1987 teen rom-com “Some Kind of Wonderful,...
Ashton played Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the first two installments of the “Beverly Hills Cop” series, released in 1984 and 1987, alongside Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold. He reprised his role in 2024’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” in which his character is now a police chief.
Ashton’s acting career spanned more than 50 years. His early film credits include “An Eye for an Eye” (1973), “So Evil, My Sister” (1974), “Cat Murkil and the Silks” (1976), “Breaking Away” (1979), “Borderline” (1980) and “Honky Tonk Freeway” (1981). He also guest starred on several television series during the ’70s, including “Emergency!,” “Columbo,” “Police Story,” “Barnaby Jones,” “Police Woman,” “Mash,” “Starsky and Hutch” and “Dallas.”
Ashton portrayed Cliff Nelson, father of Eric Stoltz’s Keith Nelson, in the 1987 teen rom-com “Some Kind of Wonderful,...
- 9/29/2024
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Tony Sokol Aug 16, 2019
Peter Fonda was a counterculture film icon who gave John Lennon a bad trip but a great song.
Actor and director Peter Fonda died of respiratory failure due to lung cancer at his Los Angeles home on Friday, Aug. 16, his manager, Alan Somers, announced via Variety. The Oscar-nominated screenwriter and star of Easy Rider was 79.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family,” the Fonda family said in a statement. “In one of the saddest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts. And, while we mourn the loss of this sweet and gracious man, we also wish for all to celebrate his indomitable spirit and love of life. In honor of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom.
Peter Fonda was a counterculture film icon who gave John Lennon a bad trip but a great song.
Actor and director Peter Fonda died of respiratory failure due to lung cancer at his Los Angeles home on Friday, Aug. 16, his manager, Alan Somers, announced via Variety. The Oscar-nominated screenwriter and star of Easy Rider was 79.
“It is with deep sorrow that we share the news that Peter Fonda has passed away at his home in Los Angeles surrounded by family,” the Fonda family said in a statement. “In one of the saddest moments of our lives, we are not able to find the appropriate words to express the pain in our hearts. And, while we mourn the loss of this sweet and gracious man, we also wish for all to celebrate his indomitable spirit and love of life. In honor of Peter, please raise a glass to freedom.
- 8/17/2019
- Den of Geek


Update – Bruce Dern has suffered a possible fractured hip after collapsing while jogging in Los Angeles and has been released after being hospitalized.
The news was first reported late Friday afternoon by TMZ, which reported that the incident took place at 3:45 p.m. The site posted a photo taken by a bystander of a shirtless Dern on the ground as he was being treated. The original report said the incident occurred at Runyon Canyon, a popular hiking area in the Hollywood Hills but his publicist said the location was Silver Lake Reservoir.
Dern’s manager Alan Somers told Variety that the accident took place after he slipped on gravel while jogging.
Dern’s publicist Lee Wallman told Variety that Dern jogs every day. “He was in good spirits,” she added.
Wallman said that Dern had recently completed filming his role as George Spahn in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
The news was first reported late Friday afternoon by TMZ, which reported that the incident took place at 3:45 p.m. The site posted a photo taken by a bystander of a shirtless Dern on the ground as he was being treated. The original report said the incident occurred at Runyon Canyon, a popular hiking area in the Hollywood Hills but his publicist said the location was Silver Lake Reservoir.
Dern’s manager Alan Somers told Variety that the accident took place after he slipped on gravel while jogging.
Dern’s publicist Lee Wallman told Variety that Dern jogs every day. “He was in good spirits,” she added.
Wallman said that Dern had recently completed filming his role as George Spahn in Quentin Tarantino’s “Once Upon a Time in Hollywood.
- 10/20/2018
- by Dave McNary
- Variety Film + TV


Twice Oscar-nominated Bruce Dern and Emmy Award-winning Brian Cox (“Nuremberg”) are attached to star in Martin Rosete’s “Remember Me,” which will go into production on Aug. 24, shooting in Spain, France and Los Angeles.
“It is without a doubt the most unique love story ever put on the screen,” Dern told Variety.
A co-production between the U.S.’ Create Entertainment, Spain’s Lazona Films and Kamel Films, and France’s F Comme Film, key cast also includes Caroline Silhol (“La Vie en rose”) and Brandon Larracuente (“13 Reasons Why”).
A “quirky romantic comedy,” according to Rosete, “Remember Me” turns on Claude (Dern), a 70-year-old widower and former theater and cinema reviewer who learns that the love of his life, Lilian (Silhol), is in a senior home going through difficult times without anybody looking after her. With the help of his best friend Shane (Cox), Claude decides to fake Alzheimer’s...
“It is without a doubt the most unique love story ever put on the screen,” Dern told Variety.
A co-production between the U.S.’ Create Entertainment, Spain’s Lazona Films and Kamel Films, and France’s F Comme Film, key cast also includes Caroline Silhol (“La Vie en rose”) and Brandon Larracuente (“13 Reasons Why”).
A “quirky romantic comedy,” according to Rosete, “Remember Me” turns on Claude (Dern), a 70-year-old widower and former theater and cinema reviewer who learns that the love of his life, Lilian (Silhol), is in a senior home going through difficult times without anybody looking after her. With the help of his best friend Shane (Cox), Claude decides to fake Alzheimer’s...
- 8/7/2018
- by Emilio Mayorga
- Variety Film + TV


When Industry Entertainment partner Keith Addis recently went looking to add a talent manager to his company's roster, he didn't exactly need to hang a Help Wanted sign.
Industry, which counts as clients some of Hollywood's top writers, directors and actors, has been flush with employment inquiries lately, especially since the merger of Wma and Endeavor resulted in the layoffs of a host of top talent agents. Addis ended up hiring former Wma motion picture literary agent Sarah Botfeld, but not before she made a clean break from her former agency.
"We've been specific with her about what she can and cannot say to those clients," Addis says. "What she can say is: 'This is what I'm going to do. I'm excited about the people I'm working with, and if I can ever be of service to you, you know where to find me.' "
Botfeld is not alone in...
Industry, which counts as clients some of Hollywood's top writers, directors and actors, has been flush with employment inquiries lately, especially since the merger of Wma and Endeavor resulted in the layoffs of a host of top talent agents. Addis ended up hiring former Wma motion picture literary agent Sarah Botfeld, but not before she made a clean break from her former agency.
"We've been specific with her about what she can and cannot say to those clients," Addis says. "What she can say is: 'This is what I'm going to do. I'm excited about the people I'm working with, and if I can ever be of service to you, you know where to find me.' "
Botfeld is not alone in...
- 6/18/2009
- by By Alex Ben Block
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
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