The Untimely Passing of John Ashton: Remembering the ‘Hollywood Superman’ at 76

John Ashton, renowned for portraying Detective John Taggart in the Hollywood Super Detective series, passed away at 76, as reported by TMZ.

Ashton featured in three out of four films in this franchise, including the most recent release on Netflix in 2024. His family has asked that donations in his name be directed to Pathways Hospice Care, but the details surrounding his death are yet to be revealed.

In his role as Detective Taggart, Ashton adeptly balanced a serious demeanor with Eddie Murphy’s comedic character Axel Foley, earning a special place in the hearts of fans.

Originally from Springfield, Massachusetts, Ashton enjoyed a notable career in both movies and television, particularly for his role alongside Robert De Niro in the 1988 film Midnight Run.

Apart from acting, Ashton was a co-host of The Ashton and Davis Show on 870 ESPN Radio. His manager, Alan Somers, shared heartfelt sentiments about him.

“John has left behind a legacy filled with love and commitment. His memory will be cherished by his wife, children, grandchildren, siblings, extended family, and all who appreciated him. John’s influence will be remembered and celebrated for years to come,” Somers stated.

Filmography of John Ashton

John Ashton’s extensive career included a diverse range of roles, with notable works such as:

• ‘An Eye for an Eye’ (1973)

• ‘So Evil, My Sister’ (1974)

• ‘My Father’s House’ (TV – 1975)

• ‘Cat Murkil and the Silks’ (1976)

• ‘MAS*H’ (1977)

• ‘Oh, God!’ (1977)

• ‘The Wilds of Ten Thousand Islands’ (TV – 1978)

• ‘Lawman Without a Gun’ (1978)

• ‘Breaking Away’ (1980)

• ‘Borderline’ (1980)

• ‘Elvis and the Beauty Queen’ (TV – 1981)

• ‘Honky Tonk Freeway’ (1981)

• ‘The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai Across the 8th Dimension’ (1984)

• ‘Superdetective en Hollywood’ (1984)

• ‘The A-Team’ (TV – 1985)

• ‘Last Resort’ (1986)

• ‘The Deliberate Stranger’ (TV – 1986)

• ‘King Kong Lives’ (1986)

• ‘Some Kind of Wonderful’ (1987)

• ‘Superdetective en Hollywood 2’ (1987)

• ‘She’s Having a Baby’ (1988)

• ‘Midnight Run’ (1988)

• ‘I Want to Go Home’ (1989)

• ‘Curly Sue’ (1991)

• ‘Saturday’s’ (TV – 1991)

• ‘Dirty Work’ (TV – 1992)

• ‘Los Tommyknockers’ (TV – 1993)

• ‘Little Big League’ (1994)

• ‘Atrapados en el paraíso’ (1994)

• ‘In the Living Years’ (1995)

• ‘Hidden Assassin’ (1995)

• ‘For Which He Stands’ (1996)

• ‘Fast Money’ (1996)

• ‘Little Girls in Pretty Boxes’ (TV – 1997)

• ‘Meet the Deedles’ (1998)

• ‘The Day Lincoln Was Shot’ (TV – 1998)

• ‘Avalanche’ aka ‘Escape from Alaska’ (1999)

• ‘Bill’s Gun Shop’ (2001)

• ‘Family’ (TV Miniseries – 2003)

• ‘Jane Doe: Til Death Do Us Part’ (TV – 2005)

• ‘Sweet Deadly Dreams’ (2006)

• ‘Reign of the Gargoyles’ (TV – 2007)

• ‘Gone Baby Gone’ (2007)

• ‘Middle Men’ (2009)

• ‘A Letter to Dad’ (2009)

• ‘Uncle John’ (2015)

• ‘The Neighborhood’ (2017)

• ‘My Little Baby’ (2017)

• ‘The Joke Thief’ (2018)

• ‘Superdetective en Hollywood: Axel F.’ (2024)