‘Beverly Hills Cop’ Actor John Ashton Dead at 76

“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,” Somers told Us on Sunday, September 29. “John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

Per the outlet, the family requested donations in John’s memory to be made out to Pathways Hospice Care.

“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,” Somers told Us on Sunday, September 29. “John’s impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

Per the outlet, the family requested donations in John’s memory to be made out to Pathways Hospice Care.

Years before the fourth movie’s release, Ashton took to his personal website on several occasions to gush over his enthusiasm for the Beverly Hills Cop series.

“As you may have been reading, there is serious talk of doing another Beverly Hills Cop,” he wrote in 2014. “I think they are serious this time. I would enjoy being in the film (if all the pieces are right) and would love to hear your feedback.”

Months later, he added, “Lots of buzz on the Beverly Hills Cop IV front, but still nothing definite yet. Will let you know as soon as something happens.” (The fourth installment of the franchise was released in July.)

Ashton’s film and TV credits also include 1977’s M*A*S*H and 1979’s Breaking Away. Ashton also made appearances on Dallas, which ran from 1978 to 1979.

Ashton, who received a BA in Theatre Arts from the University of Southern California, wrote on his website that he lived by the motto, “Think big, Work hard, Have a Dream, and Make a Difference.”