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.
Unveiling the Untold Stories of Michael Landon: A Hollywood Icon
Michael Landon is one name that first springs to mind when discussing legendary performers. His flowing hair and rugged good looks gave him a compelling presence that held spectators’ attention unlike anything else. Landon’s indisputable charm made an enduring effect whether he was playing a loving father in a well-loved family drama or a cowboy on the vast prairie.
But beyond that self-assured veneer lay a man whose life had been shaped by tragedy. His daughter has made the decision to share the private aspects of her father, bringing attention to the hardships and unknown tales he endured, decades after his death. In a moving admission, she lets us inside the world that existed outside of the spotlight and gives us a peek of the suffering and pain he went through behind closed doors.
A clear and genuine image of Michael Landon, a man who was so much more than the characters he played on television, is painted by this personal portrait. Through the highs and lows of his extraordinary career and the lasting legacy he left behind, it takes us on a fascinating trip. His daughter’s moving discoveries provide us with further insight into the man behind the recognizable roles.
So join us as we examine Michael Landon’s life and the challenges he faced both personally and professionally that helped to define him. Prepare to be enthralled by the remarkable tale of this Hollywood icon, a man whose life was full of both profound pain and happy times, as told through the eyes of his daughter.
To learn more about the amazing journey that is Michael Landon’s life, watch the video.
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