John Ashton, John Taggart in several “Beverly Hills Cop” films, died Thursday in Fort Collins, Colorado. He was 76.

TMZ confirmed the actor’s death, which was rumored on social media, after battling cancer.

His rep told TMZ, “John leaves a legacy of love, dedication and service. “John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

Ashton was born on February 22, 1948 in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Among more than 200 films, he appeared in Breaking Away (1979), Honky Tonk Freeway (1981), The Adventures of Buckaroo Banzai in the 8th Dimension (1984) and Last Resort (1986). to see. , “King Kong Lives” (1986), “Some Kind of Wonderful” (1987), “She’s Getting a Baby” (1988), “Midnight Run” (1988), “Curly Sue” (1991), “Little Big League ” (1994), “Instinct” (1999), “Gone Baby Gone” (2007) and “Death in Texas” (2020).

He appeared in countless television guest appearances, starting with an episode of “Kojak” in 1974 and continuing on shows such as “Police Woman” (1977), “Wonder Woman” (1977) and “M*A*S*H” (1977). ), “Law & Order: SVU” (2009) and “The Finder” (2012). He played Willie Joe Garr in Dallas (1978-1979) and starred in the short-lived Hardball (1989-1990).

But Ashton is best remembered as tough cop Taggart, a role he played in “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984), “Beverly Hills Cop II” (1987) and this year’s “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” . He appeared at the premiere of the latest installment in June.

Ashton’s motto, as stated on his official website: “Think big, work hard, have a dream and make a difference!!”

He left behind his wife, his two children, his grandchildren and other family members.