What actor turned down the role of Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop?

The actor who turned down the role of Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop was Eddie Murphy.

It seems a little counterintuitive, but it's true! Murphy actually turned down the role initially because he didn't feel the script was funny enough. He eventually agreed to do the film after the producers agreed to rewrite the script to include more of his comedic sensibilities.