'No smoking in heaven, John': 'Beverly Hills Cop' star Judge Reinhold pays tribute to his 'Sarge' and 'brother' John Ashton

Beverly Hills Cop Star Judge Reinhold has paid tribute to her longtime friend and colleague John Ashton, who has died aged 76 after a battle with cancer.

The pair memorably played 'by the book' police partners Taggart and Rosewood in the hit comedy franchise starring Eddie Murphy. Ashton was the straight man and Rosewood the clown which became a favorite comedy duo in the film.

Reinhold said last night: “Thursday night John looked like he was sleeping but the Yankees were on. They won the game, clinched the division and then reached John Home. Forty years of on-screen and off-screen laughter. John lived his life! My brother, my partner, my serge – I love you. There's no smoking in heaven, John.”

Ashton starred in the first two Beverly Hills Cop The movie and then reprized his role in the Netflix sequel this year Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.

A rep for Ashton told Deadline that the actor died “peacefully” on Thursday in Ft. Collins, CO.

“John was a loving husband, brother, father and grandfather who will be deeply missed by all who knew him,” read a statement shared by the representative.

“John leaves a legacy of love, dedication and service. His memory will forever be cherished by his wife, children, grandchildren, as well as his brothers, sisters, his extended family and all those who loved him. John's impact on the world will be remembered and celebrated for generations to come.”

In addition, Ashton appeared in such films Some kind of wonderful (1987), Midnight Run (1988), Curly case (1991), Little Big League (1994), Baby Goon is gone (2007), middle man (2009) and Once upon a river (2019). His TV credits include episodes of Colombo, Wonder Woman, M*A*S*H, Starsky and Hutch, Dallas, The A-Team, The Twilight Zone, Amy is judging And Law Enforcement: Special Victims Unit.

Born on February 22, 1948 in Springfield, MA and raised in Enfield, CT, Ashton attended Defiance College in Ohio before transferring to the University of Southern California, where he graduated with a BA in Theater Arts.

Aside from acting, Ashton was also an avid golfer, lending his talents to celebrity golf tournaments around the world for various causes.

Ashton is survived by his wife of 24 years, Robin Hoy; as well as Michelle Ashton and Michael Thomas Ashton; his stepchildren Courtney Donovan, Lindsey Curcio and Ashley Hoey; and his grandson Henry.