John David Ashton, best known for his role of John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films, has died. He was 76.
A representative for Ashton confirmed to TMZ that he died peacefully on Thursday in Ft. Collins, Colorado after a battle with cancer.
"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,” Ashton’s rep, Alan Somers, told the outlet in a statement. “John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come."
Ashton starred opposite Eddie Murphy, 63, in the buddy cop film series beginning in 1984 and then 1987 for its sequel. He returned for the fourth installment, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which arrived in July on Netflix.
The actor had numerous credits to his name, including the John Hughes-penned Some Kind of Wonderful in 1987, appearances on M*A*S*H, and co-starred opposite Robert De Niro, 81, in Midnight Run in 1988.
TMZ also notes that he was co-hosting the Ashton and Davis Show on 870 ESPN Radio at the time of his passing.