John David Ashton … the actor greatest referred to as the hard-nosed, by-the-book detective within the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise has died, TMZ has discovered.
John died peacefully Thursday in Ft. Collins, Colorado after a battle with most cancers … his rep tells us.
Throughout his 50 years in Hollywood, John appeared in additional than 200 movie, TV and stage productions … however he arguably turned a family title when he co-starred alongside an up-and-coming Eddie Murphy in 1984’s “Beverly Hills Cop.”
The actor appeared in three of the 4 ‘BHC’ movies … together with the latest … which was launched to constructive evaluations from followers and critics on Netflix this yr.
Within the franchise, John performed Detective Sergeant John Taggart … who acted because the straight man for Eddie’s antics as Axel Foley. Decide Reinhold performed his goody, however lovable associate, Detective Billy Rosewood.
The Springfield, MA native additionally appeared in “M*A*S*H” and performed Eric Stoltz’s father within the John Hughes comedy-drama “Some Kind of Wonderful.” In 1988, he co-starred within the action-comedy “Midnight Run” as a rival bounty hunter to Robert De Niro‘s character.
His most up-to-date gig … along with the fourth ‘BHC’ movie … co-hosting the “Ashton and Davis Show on 870 ESPN Radio.”
John’s rep Alan Somers tells 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 family and all who loved him. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”
The household requests any donations in John’s reminiscence be made to Pathways Hospice Care.
He was 76.
RIP