John Ashton, famous for playing Detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” movies, has sadly passed away at the age of 76. Now, his family has a special request.
Keep reading to learn more.
John Ashton died peacefully in Ft. Collins, Colorado, this past Thursday. His family and friends are heartbroken over his loss.
He passed away after bravely fighting cancer, according to his representative, Alan Somers. Somers shared that Ashton’s legacy is one of “love, dedication, and service,” and his family will continue to celebrate his life. He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, and more.
To honor the late actor’s life and legacy, the family is asking for donations to be made to Pathways Hospice Care in his memory.
Ashton was a well-known name in Hollywood for over 50 years, lighting up screens with more than 200 film, TV, and stage performances. While fans loved many of his roles, it was his portrayal of the straight-laced detective alongside Eddie Murphy’s wild cop character, Axel Foley, that made him a household name.
Ashton’s character, Detective Billy Rosewood, provided the perfect contrast to his co-star’s character, adding energy and humor to the films.
The film was a major success and established Ashton’s name in Hollywood. In July of this year, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” premiered. In an interview, Ashton revealed that the film had taken 20 years to make before finally being released.
He mentioned there was a lot of uncertainty surrounding the film, to the point that he had given up on the idea and moved on to other projects. By the time he received a call about the film, he was already working on another project in Chicago.
After finishing his film, he went to L.A. to meet director Mark Molloy. Ashton knew that the film could only move forward if Murphy approved the script.
He said he knew he could fully commit to the project when Murphy greenlit the script and Jerry Bruckheimer joined as a producer.
In addition to his iconic role in “Beverly Hills Cop,” Ashton also had notable appearances in the show “M*A*S*H” and played Eric Stoltz’s father in the John Hughes comedy-drama “Some Kind of Wonderful.”
He started his career at a young age, with his first professional role in a production of “Othello” at the Hartford Stage Company. He later toured the world in various theater productions.
Ashton received great recognition for his acting, including an LA Method Fest award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Once Upon a River.”
He also appeared in several films, including “Death in Texas” (2020), “American Christmas” (2019), and “My Little Baby” (2019), among others.
Beyond his career, he was a devoted family man. He leaves behind his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoye, and his children, Michelle and Michael Thomas Ashton.
He is also survived by his stepchildren, Courtney Donovan, Lindsay Curcio, and Ashley Hoye, as well as his grandson Henry, his sisters Sharon Ann Ashton and Linda Jean Ashton, and his brother Edward Richard Ashton.
A BOY WAS SELLING HIS TOYS — THEN THE COMMUNITY STEPPED IN.
The morning air was crisp with the promise of a new day. George and I, bundled in our warmest coats, were on our usual walk, enjoying the quiet of our suburban street. The sun, a shy sliver peeking through the clouds, cast long shadows across the lawns. As we passed apartment building number 7, something caught my eye.
A small figure huddled beside a makeshift table, a handwritten sign propped against a stack of toys. Curiosity piqued, I approached the boy. He couldn’t have been more than eight years old, his face a mixture of determination and sadness.
“What are you doing?” I asked gently.
The boy, with eyes the color of a stormy sea, looked up at me. “Selling my toys,” he said, his voice small but resolute. “To help my dog.”
My heart sank. “Your dog?” I asked, confused.
He nodded, his lip trembling slightly. “My parents… they can’t afford to keep him anymore. They might have to take him to the shelter.”
The words hung heavy in the air. This child, barely out of toddlerhood, was facing a hardship that no child should ever have to bear. George, ever the pragmatist, gently inquired about the prices of the toys. They were ridiculously low, a testament to the boy’s desperation.
We couldn’t just walk away. We “bought” a few of his toys, though we had no intention of keeping them. Instead, we returned home with a renewed sense of purpose. We started knocking on doors, sharing the boy’s story with our neighbors. The response was immediate and overwhelming.
Mrs. Garibaldi, the elderly woman who always had a jar of cookies on her windowsill, donated a generous sum, her eyes brimming with tears. Mr. Thompson, the gruff gardener with a soft spot for animals, offered to mow the family’s lawn for the next month. Children, their faces alight with concern, emptied their piggy banks, their contributions ranging from a few coins to a dollar bill clutched tightly in their small hands.
News of the boy’s plight spread through the neighborhood like wildfire. Within hours, a small “fund” for the dog’s care had materialized. We dropped off the contributions that evening, a small bag overflowing with cash and good wishes.
The boy’s face, when he saw the money, was a picture of disbelief. His eyes widened, then welled up with tears. “Thank you,” he whispered, his voice choked with emotion. “Thank you so much.” His parents, initially hesitant, were overcome with gratitude.
As we walked away, a sense of warmth filled my heart. It was a reminder that even in the face of adversity, the human spirit could shine through. The simple act of kindness, of reaching out to a neighbor in need, had created a ripple effect of compassion and support.
That evening, as I tucked my own children into bed, I told them about the little boy and his dog. I explained that sometimes, even the smallest acts of kindness could make a big difference. “Remember,” I said, “we’re all connected. We’re all part of a community, and we need to look out for each other.”
The next morning, I woke up to the sound of birdsong and the gentle patter of rain. The memory of the boy’s grateful smile warmed my heart. It was a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always hope, and that the kindness of strangers can truly make a difference.
That day, I went about my business with a renewed sense of purpose, determined to be more mindful of the needs of those around me. The world, I realized, was full of small acts of heroism, waiting to be discovered. And in the quiet moments, I would remember the little boy and his dog, a testament to the enduring power of compassion and the unwavering kindness of the human spirit.
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