John Ashton dead at 76 – Beverly Hills Cop star who played John Taggart dies of cancer after 50-year movie career

BEVERLY Hills Cop actor John Ashton has tragically died aged 76.

The legend's TV and film career spans over a whopping 50 years, starring in massive productions like "Little Big League" and "Midnight Run".

Ashton died "peacefully" of cancer at home on Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado, which his heartbroken family and representatives announced in a statement, TMZ reports.

The actor's rep said: "John leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication and service.

"His memory will forever be treasured by his wife, children, grandchildren as well as his brother, sisters, his extended family and all who loved him.

"John's impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come."

Ashton's family has requested donations be made to the Pathways Hospice Care center.

The actor was born in Springfield, Massachusetts, with his career kicking off after graduating from the University of Southern California School of Theatre.

His first film role was Sgt. Matthews in the 1973 horror "The Psychopath".

After this he appeared in "Honky Tonk Freeway" and "The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension" - he then landed his iconic role in the cop franchise in 1984.

In the "Beverly Hills Cop" movie series, Ashton played John Taggart and worked with a star-studded cast including Eddie Murphy.

His character was known for being a by-the-book detective who acted as the sensible one compared to Murphy's character Axel Foley.

Out of four of the movie series, Ashton appeared in three of them.

In "Midnight Run", Ashton starred alongside Hollywood legend Robert DeNiro where he played the character Marvin Dorfler - a bounty hunter that rivalled DeNiro's character.

More recently the star featured in 2007's "Gone Baby Gone" and the 2016 thriller "Uncle John" before reprising his role as Taggart in Beverly Hills Cop.

Outside of his acting career, Ashton was married to Victoria Marie Runn from 1968 until they divorced two years later.

In 1976 he tied the knot with Bridget Baker-Ashton and the pair were married until 2001.

He had one child from each of his marriages.