John Ashton, the veteran character actor who memorably played the gruff but lovable police detective John Taggart in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films, has died.

Already a comedian, actor, writer, musician and novelist, Steve Martin is now mastering a new art form.

They both carved out sterling reputations as military and political leaders over years of public service.

Charles Grodin, the offbeat actor and writer who scored as a newlywed cad in “The Heartbreak Kid” and the father in the “Beethoven” comedies, has died.