Key Takeaways:
– John Ashton, famed for his role in the Beverly Hills Cop series, has died
– His illustrious career spanned multiple decades and projects
– Ashton was beloved by both audience members and industry professionals
An aura of sadness has descended over Hollywood today as we bid goodbye to a legendary actor, John Ashton. Known for his standout performance as the grumpy but ultimately heroic detective Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop series, Ashton left a lasting impression. We, unfortunately, don’t yet have news about his cause of death, but his manager confirmed his passing.
The Veteran Star’s Illustrious Career
Ashton wasn’t just Taggart to his fans, he lived many lives on the silver screen. He shared screen space with Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin in the unforgettable film Midnight Run. Interesting to note, this was under the direction of Martin Brest, who also helmed the Beverly Hills Cop series. Furthermore, Ashton etched another memorable character as Eric Stoltz’s father in John Hughes’ classic, Some Kind of Wonderful, John Hughes was so impressed by Ashton that he also gave him a part in She’s Having a Baby and Curly Sue.
Being a versatile actor, Ashton didn’t limit himself to the big screen. He found success on television screens as well. He displayed his acting prowess in the ’80s mini-series, I Know My First Name Is Steven, where he portrayed the character of kidnap victim Steven Stayner’s father. Stephen King’s The Tommyknockers was another TV counterpart of Ashton that is remembered till this day.
Additionally, Ashton appeared in Ben Affleck’s Gone Baby Gone and the underappreciated George Gallo movie Middle Men, earning accolades for his performances.
Return to Beverly Hills
Ashton recently revisited his well-loved role as Taggart, sharing screen space with his former colleagues Eddie Murphy and Judge Reinhold in Netflix’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. A pleasant person in real life, he had a soft corner for his role in Beverly Hills Cop. When questioned if he would like to reprise this role in future Beverly Hills Cop movies, he had a glint in his eye and a warm smile on his face, assuring that he would love to. Unfortunately, now he wouldn’t get this chance.
This proves just how much he loved his profession and the characters he brought to life. It’s indeed a sad day for everyone who knew him, and even for those who didn’t personally know him but have spent years watching and admiring his work.
In Loving Memory
The film and TV industry has been robbed of a luminary. John Ashton, a man who wore many hats and painted many characters in our minds, will be sorely missed. His legacy, however, lives on in the incredible body of work he leaves behind. Whether as the gruff Taggart or the father figure in Some Kind of Wonderful, Ashton made every character his own. Our movie nights will never be the same without him, but we can take solace in the fact that he lives forever on our screens, immortalized through his performances.
To the incredible John Ashton, we bid a heartfelt farewell. You will always hold a special spot in the history of Hollywood. Thanks for such amazing memories over the years. Here’s to the larger-than-life roles, the smiles, the gasps, and the heart-touching performances you gifted us with. You truly were some kind of wonderful!
