RIP John Ashton, beloved Beverly Hills Cop star, who passed away at 76 after a battle with cancer.

Actor John Ashton, best known for his role as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise, passed away on Thursday at the age of 76 after a courageous battle with cancer. He died peacefully at his home in Fort Collins, Colorado, surrounded by loved ones. Ashton's career spanned more than five decades, during which he appeared in over 200 film, television, and stage productions. He became widely recognized in the 1980s for his portrayal of the no-nonsense detective opposite Eddie Murphy's character in Beverly Hills Cop.

In addition to his memorable performances in the Beverly Hills Cop series, Ashton reprised his iconic role in the latest installment, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which was released on Netflix earlier this year and received positive reviews from fans and critics alike. Beyond his involvement in the franchise, he appeared in other notable films such as Midnight Run, where he co-starred with Robert De Niro, and the John Hughes classic Some Kind of Wonderful.

Throughout his career, Ashton earned a reputation as a versatile actor who could seamlessly transition between comedy and drama, making him a beloved figure in Hollywood. His family has requested that donations be made in his memory to Pathways Hospice, a gesture reflective of his lifelong commitment to giving back