Many people recognize John Ashton, whose full name is John David Ashton, from his role as Sergeant Taggart in the 1984 hit movie Beverly Hills Cop.
The movie, directed by Martin Brest, was made on a budget of around 15 million USD, which includes lead actors Eddie Murphy, Judge Reinhold, and John Ashton.
Beverly Hills Cop, released on December 5, 1984, was a huge success in the industry, collecting $234 million worldwide in just two to three months.
John Ashton has sadly passed away at the age of 76. pic.twitter.com/zhToT7VMDw
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) September 29, 2024
According to some old reports, actor John Ashton received a handsome sum of money from his work on Beverly Hills Cop; however, the more valuable thing is that the movie grew in popularity worldwide.
Following the movie’s popularity, he had breakthrough roles in several other hit movies, establishing a successful acting career.
John Ashton received huge success from Beverly Hills Cop, increasing his net worth significantly in just a few years!
John Ashton was active in the entertainment industry for over 50 years, from 1973 to 2024. During his five decades-long career in the industry, John Ashton is estimated to have had a net worth of around $5 million.
Throughout his career, he has worked on both television series and films. Some of his early TV series work includes Dallas (1978), Columbo (1971), and Police Squad! (1982).
R.I.P. John Ashton pic.twitter.com/ANbQgbtemB
— Film Zealot (@FilmZealot) September 29, 2024
Similarly, his early work in the movie includes An Eye for an Eye (1973), King Kong Lives (1986), Breaking Away (1979), Honky Tonk Freeway (1981), Borderline (1980), and Last Resort (1986).
After his soaring popularity with Beverly Hills Cop in 1984, he starred in the 1987 John Hughes-penned comedy Some Kind of Wonderful as the father of Eric Stoltz’s character.
In 1988, he again worked with John Hughes in his romantic comedy film She’s Having a Baby.
John Ashton’s role as a rival bounty hunter to Robert De Niro’s character in the 1988 action comedy Midnight Run also brought him significant popularity and success, as the movie collected $81.6 million at the box office on a $35 million production budget.
R.i.P john Ashton some of is many roles
— james 🖖🏻 (@Jamesashley11) September 29, 2024
Beverly Hills cop midnight run the A team columbo
Trapped in paradise Dallas law and order special victims unit great actor my condolences to is family and friends
Will be missed 🥲 pic.twitter.com/HT6ovJk36K
Before the 2000s, he also appeared in movies like Little Big League (1994), Trapped in Paradise (1994), The Shooter (1995), Meet the Deedles (1998), and Instinct (1999); meanwhile, after the 2000s, his famous work include 2007 drama Gone Baby Gone.
John Ashton reappeared again in 2024’s Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, as he had previously stated, wanting to reprise his roles in the Beverly Hills Cop IV and Midnight Run II productions.
Despite his passing after a long battle with cancer, his legacy and contributions live on in the hearts of many fans.
We, the Alliance Family, mourn the loss of actor John Ashton. His talent brought joy to many, and his legacy will live on in our hearts. Our thoughts are with his family during this difficult time.
Additional Information
- John David Ashton was born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S., and passed away on September 26, 2024, in Fort Collins, Colorado, U.S., at the age of 76.
- He was the father of two children, which he shared with ex-wife Victoria Marie Runn (1968 to 1970) and Bridget Baker-Ashton (1976 to 2001).
- John Ashton attended Enfield High School in Enfield, Connecticut, and graduated from the University of Southern California School of Theatre.
