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Actor John Ashton, best known for his role as John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop films, has died at the age of 76 following a battle with cancer, his manager, Alan Somers, confirmed in a statement to TMZ on Sunday (September 29).
"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. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come," Somers said.
Ashton co-starred alongside Eddie Murphy in three of the four Beverly Hills Cop films, including the Netflix sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F released earlier this year, playing the hard-nosed detective Taggart. The actor was credited for more than 200 stage, film and television productions during his more than 50-year entertainment career, which includes the films Midnight Run alongside Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin; John Hughes' Some Kind of Wonderful alongside Eric Stolz; and Ben Affleck's Gone Baby Gone alongside Casey Affleck, as well as the television series M*A*S*H.
Ashton's family requested all donations in his honor be made to Pathways Hospice Care, according to TMZ.