Beverly Hills cop Star Judge Reinhold has paid tribute to his long-time friend and colleague, John Ashton, who has passed away at the age of 76 after a battle with cancer.
The pair memorably played police partners Taggart and Rosewood in the hit comedy starring Eddie Murphy. Ashton was the straight man and Rosewood the jester in what became a beloved comedy duo in movies.
“Thursday night John looked like he was asleep but the Yankees were alert,” Reinhold said last night. “They won the game, clinched the division and then John went home. Forty years of laughter on screen and off. John lived his life! My brother, my partner, my sergeant-at-arms — I love you.” There’s no smoking in heaven, John.
Ashton shined in the first two Beverly Hills cop Movies Then this year he reprized his role in the Netflix sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.
A representative for Ashton told Deadline that the actor died “peacefully” on Thursday in Ft. Collins, CO.
“John was a loving husband, brother, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” a statement shared by the actor read.
“John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication and service. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife, children and grandchildren, as well as his brother and sisters, his extended family and all who loved him. John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”
In addition, Ashton has appeared in films such as Kind of cool (1987), Midnight run (1988), Curly su (1991), Little Big League (1994), Baby gone gone (2007), Middle men (2009) and Once upon a time on the river (2019). His television credits include episodes of Colombo, Wonder Woman, mash, Starsky and Hatch, Dallas, Team A, The twilight zone, Judging Amy and Law & Order: Special Victims Unit.
Born on February 22, 1948, in Springfield, Massachusetts, and raised in Enfield, Connecticut, Ashton attended Defiance College in Ohio before transferring to the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a bachelor’s degree in theater arts.
In addition to acting, Ashton was also an avid golfer, contributing his talents to famous golf tournaments around the world for various causes.
Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoey. Also Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton; his stepchildren Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio, and Ashley Howe; And his grandson, Henry.
. “Professional creator. Lifelong thinker. Reader. Beer buff. Troublemaker. Evil problem solver.”