NEW YORK (AP) — John Ashton, the veteran character actor who memorably played the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, has died. He was 76.Ashton died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, his family announced in a statement released by Ashton's manager, Alan Somers, on Sunday. No cause of death was immediately available.In a career that spanned more than 50 years, Ashton was a regular face across TV series and films, including

He reprised his role as Chief John Taggart in the fourth "BHC" installment earlier this year.

John Ashton, the character actor who starred alongside Eddie Murphy in the 'Beverly Hills Cop' series, has died at the age of 76.

Eddie Murphy’s Axel Foley was the film series' lead but the two local detectives Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and Ashton’s Taggart were his reluctant or eager collaborators.

John Ashton, known for his role as John Taggart in the 'Beverly Hills Cop' films, has died. He was 76.

John Ashton, who is remembered for playing detective John Taggart in the "Beverly Hills Cop" film franchise, died at his Colorado home on Friday after a battl...