What Happened to the Cast of "Beverly Hills Cop" 41 Years After the Movie's Premiere?

Beverly Hills Cop hit theaters on December 5, 1984, introducing audiences to Eddie Murphy as the clever Detroit detective, Axel Foley. The films success led to three sequels, including Netflixs 2024 installment, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F. While not every viewer was won over by the iconic banana in the tailpipe moment, Murphys charismatic performance captured the hearts of moviegoers, cementing the film as a beloved classic.

Eddie Murphy as Detective Axel Foley

Already known for his stand-up and work on Saturday Night Live, Murphy became a major star with Beverly Hills Cop. The movie transformed the 23-year-old comedian into a leading actor, following roles in 48 Hrs. (1982) and Trading Places (1983). His 1987 stand-up special, Eddie Murphy: Raw, remains a landmark in comedy.

The film earned a Golden Globe nomination for Best Motion Picture Comedy or Musical, and Murphy received a Golden Globe nod for his performance. He reprised Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), Beverly Hills Cop III (1994), and the 2024 Netflix sequel. Murphy also starred in hits such as Coming to America, Boomerang, and The Nutty Professor, lent his voice to Disneys Mulan and the Shrek franchise, and earned acclaim for Dolemite Is My Name (2019) and Coming 2 America (2021).

Upcoming projects include a fifth Shrek film in 2027, a Donkey-centric spin-off, and a reboot of The Pink Panther. Murphys life off-screen is equally full: he has ten children from various relationships and marriages.

Judge Reinhold as Detective Billy Rosewood

Judge Reinhold, who played Foleys partner Billy Rosewood, had already gained attention in 80s comedies like Stripes (1981), Fast Times at Ridgemont High (1982), and Gremlins (1984). He reprised his Beverly Hills Cop role in all sequels and appeared in films like Ruthless People and the Santa Clause franchise. Reinhold also earned an Emmy nomination for his guest spot on Seinfeld and has had recurring roles on shows like Ellen and Arrested Development. He has been married to Amy Reinhold since 2000, with one daughter.

John Ashton as Sergeant John Taggart

John Ashton, who played the straight-laced Sgt. John Taggart, appeared in films like Starsky and Hutch and Dallas before joining Beverly Hills Cop. Afterward, he acted in King Kong Lives, Some Kind of Wonderful, and Midnight Run. Ashton returned for the sequels, including the 2024 Netflix installment, before passing away in September 2024 at age 76. He is survived by his wife Robin Hoye, two children, and three stepchildren.

Paul Reiser as Detective Jeffrey Friedman

Paul Reiser, who played Detective Jeffrey Friedman, had appeared in Remington Steele and the TV movie Diner. He gained fame with the sitcom Mad About You (19921998), earning multiple Emmy and Golden Globe nominations. Reiser reprised his role in Beverly Hills Cop II and the 2024 sequel. He is married to Paula Ravets, and they have two sons.

Jonathan Banks as Zack

Jonathan Banks played the menacing Zack in the original film. Banks later became widely recognized as Mike Ehrmantraut in Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, earning multiple Emmy nominations. He continues acting in projects like the Apple TV series Constellation and Netflixs The Beast in Me. Banks has three children and a stepdaughter.

Bronson Pinchot as Serge

Bronson Pinchot made a memorable impression as gallery worker Serge. He went on to star as Balki Bartokomous in the sitcom Perfect Strangers (19861993), earning an Emmy nomination. Pinchot reprised Serge in the franchises sequels and appeared on Netflixs The Residence in 2025.

Ronny Cox as Lieutenant Andrew Bogomil

Ronny Cox, who portrayed Lt. Andrew Bogomil, had a long career including Deliverance (1972), Harper Valley PTA (1978), and Taps (1981). He returned for Beverly Hills Cop II and continued acting in films and TV shows such as RoboCop, Total Recall, and Star Trek: Prodigy. Cox is also a musician and has two sons with his late wife, Mary.

Lisa Eilbacher as Jenny Summers

Lisa Eilbacher, who played Foleys friend and gallery worker Jenny Summers, began as a child actor and appeared in An Officer and a Gentleman (1982). She hasnt acted on-screen since 1995 and has been married to director Bradford May since 1988.

Steven Berkoff as Victor Maitland

Steven Berkoff, who played villain Victor Maitland, had a prolific career in film and theater before and after Beverly Hills Cop. Recent work includes roles in The Tourist (2010), The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo (2011), Vikings (20192020), and Desperate Journey (2025). He has two daughters and a long-term partner, pianist Clara Fischer.

Gilbert R. Hill as Inspector Douglas Todd

Gilbert R. Hill, a real-life Detroit detective, played Inspector Douglas Todd in the first three films. Hill later led the Detroit Police Departments homicide division and served on city council, becoming its president. He passed away in February 2016 at age 84 and is survived by his three children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren.

Sources:

• Where Is the “Beverly Hills Cop ”Cast Now? Inside Their Lives 41 Years After the Blockbuster Premiered