Veteran actor John Ashton has died aged 76.
Best known for his work as John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films, his family confirmed his death in a statement released by his manager Alan Somers.
Somers provided no cause of death however TMZ reported he had been diagnosed with cancer.
“John was a loving husband, brother, father, and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” Somers said in a statement to EW.
“His legacy will continue to inspire for generations to come.”
Ashton’s actor career spanned more than 50 years with some highlights including roles in 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).
Born in 1948, the actor studied theatre at the University of Southern Carolina and went on to accrue more than 200 credits across film and TV.
Ashton was cast as Detective Sergeant John Taggart in the first two films in the Beverley Hills Cops franchise, released in 1984 and then in 1987.
He starred alongside actors Eddie Murphy, who played the lead role of Axel Foley, and Judge Reinhold.
More recently, Ashton returned to the franchise in 2024 to reprise his role in the reboot, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
His character John had been promoted to chief of police.
Ashton is survived by his wife Robin Hoye, two children, three stepchildren, a grandson, two sisters and a brother.
