John Ashton’s Net Worth: A Look at the Beverly Hills Cop Star’s Career Following His Passing at Age 76

John Ashton, widely recognized for his role as Sgt. John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop series, sadly passed away on September 26, 2024, at the age of 76. As reported by People magazine, his passing was confirmed by his manager in an obituary, which stated that Ashton had been battling cancer prior to his death.

Throughout his career, Ashton took on significant roles in various films and television shows, such as King Kong Lives and The Deliberate Stranger. His net worth was estimated at $3 million, according to Crix11.

So far, John Ashton’s family has not released any statements regarding his death across any platforms. However, plans for a celebration of his life are underway. In the meantime, fans are encouraged to make donations in his memory to Pathways Hospice Care in Colorado. Alan Somers, John’s representative, shared with Page Six:

“John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

Interestingly, John Ashton reprised his role in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F earlier this year. In a conversation with CBR, he expressedInitial concerns about whether people would recognize him. Fortunately, he encountered several franchise fans who referred to him by his character’s name on multiple occasions.

“I said, ‘Well, you know, I’ve done more things than just Taggart.’ As the years have gone on, I kind of really enjoy it now. There’s not too many actors that can put a stamp on a role that will be with them for eternity, so I take that as an honor now.”

John Ashton’s Filmography: Career Highlights and More

Born John David Ashton, he attended the University of Southern California and had a fairly typical childhood. In an interview with MovieJunk in 2020, he recalled that his mother once contemplated sending him to military school due to his mischievous nature.

His passion for acting changed his trajectory, leading him to make his stage debut before transitioning to film and television. He appeared in productions like So Evil, My Sister, Breaking Away, and Borderline.

Ashton became widely beloved for his portrayal of Sgt. John Taggart in the Beverly Hills Cop series, which started in 1984. The blend of action and comedy in the films helped carve a niche for him, leading to three sequels, with the latest installment released this year.

Ashton also featured in Midnight Run, a film starring Robert De Niro. In a July 2024 interview with Collider, he shared how he secured that role, recalling an encounter with actor Joey Pantoliano during a play in Los Angeles.

Ashton was encouraged by his friend Alan Vint, who informed him about the casting for Midnight Run. John recounted:

“And I go, ‘I don’t know, I never heard about it.’ And, of course, I had my Cracker Jack agent, but, you know. So he said, ‘You’re a perfect man.’”

“Then I found out Marty Brest was directing it, who directed the first Cop, so I called Marty, and I said, ‘Hey, Marty, what’s the deal with Midnight Run?’ He goes, ‘Oh, you’d be great in it.’”

In addition to his film accomplishments, John Ashton portrayed Charlie Battles in 18 episodes of the series Hardball and Willie Joe Garr in the popular soap opera Dallas.

His extensive filmography encompasses numerous other films including She’s Having a Baby, Little Big League, Avalanche, Uncle John, and Once Upon a River. He also made guest appearances in various television shows including Wonder Woman, Breaking Away, The Twilight Zone, and Little Girls in Pretty Boxes.

Source