John Ashton, Beloved Character Actor, Dies at 76

Career Spanning Over Half a Century

John Ashton, a prolific character actor, has passed away at the age of 76. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts on February 22, 1948, Ashton began his career in the entertainment industry, booking roles on shows like Dallas, Ko__jak, MAS*H, and Starsky & Hutch on the small screen, and making eye-catching appearances on the big screen in films such as Larry Brown’s 1973 horror The Psychopath and Carl Reiner’s proto-Bruce Almighty religious satire Oh, God!.

Iconic Roles and Legacy

Ashton’s most iconic role was as Chief John Taggart in the 1984 Eddie Murphy action comedy Beverly Hills Cop. He went on to reprise the role in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F earlier this year. Elsewhere, he held his own opposite Robert De Niro and Charles Grodin as foul-mouthed, chain-smoking bounty hunter Marvin Dorfler in iconic buddy comedy Midnight Run. Throughout the 90s and 00s, Ashton continued to appear in a wide range of films, including Little Big League, Meet The Deedles, and Gone Baby Gone.

Recent Work and Personal Life

In recent years, Ashton continued to pop up regularly on our screens in films such as Lonesome Soldier, All Happy Families, and Death In Texas. He is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, as well as his children Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton, his stepchildren Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio and Ashley Hoye, and his grandson Henry.

Conclusion

John Ashton will be remembered for his impeccable comic timing, his immense work ethic, and his withering on-screen stares. His impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.

FAQs

• What was John Ashton’s most iconic role?
  • Chief John Taggart in the 1984 Eddie Murphy action comedy Beverly Hills Cop.
• What was John Ashton’s most recent film appearance?
  • In films such as Lonesome Soldier, All Happy Families, and Death In Texas.
• Who is John Ashton survived by?
  • His wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, as well as his children Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton, his stepchildren Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio and Ashley Hoye, and his grandson Henry.