In Memory of TV Star Meshach Taylor ('Designing Women'): 10 Years After His Tragic Death From Cancer

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It's been ten years since the tragic loss of beloved actor Meshach Taylor. He was only 67 years old when he died of cancer in Los Angeles on June 28, 2014. Best known as beloved ex-con Anthony Bouvier on TV's classic sitcom Designing Women (CBS, 1986-1993), Taylor was Emmy nominated for his standout performance. But the actor also appeared in other TV shows and movies. This is his story.

A Closer Look

Meshach Taylor was born in Boston, MA on April 11, 1947. He attended and graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, Indiana in 1964. He later received a Bachelor's Degree in Theatre from Florida A&M University in Tallahassee, Florida.

From there be began performing in community shows in New Orleans, where his father was Dean of Students at Dillard University. Taylor continued performing in Indianapolis after his father relocated to Indiana University, where he was the Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.

In 1977, Taylor received the Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play for his performance in Sizwe Banzi is Dead, at the Goodman Stage II Theatre in Chicago, Illinois.

In 1979, the talented thespian was nominated for the same Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play, this time for Native Son at the Goodman Theatre.

Designing Man

Then it happened: Meshach Taylor received his big break in 1986 when he was cast as Anthony Bouvier on Designing Women.

When that show ended, Taylor costarred for four seasons on another popular CBS sitcom, Dave's World (1993-1997). Here, he played Shel Baylor, best friend to newspaper humor columnist Dave Berry played by the show's lead actor, Harry Anderson (formerly of NBC's original Night Court, 1984-1992).

Other regular TV appearances included the groundbreaking NBC 1980s dramedy Buffalo Bill, and Nickelodeon's sitcom Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.

Before and after Designing Women, Taylor also did several guest spots on shows like Hill Street Blues, Barney Miller, Lou Grant, The Drew Carey Show, The Unit, and Criminal Minds. The latter, still in production today, stars Joe Montegna, a life-long friend to Taylor (years before they were fellow members of Chicago's Organic Theater Company).

On the Big Screen

Meshach Taylor also made a splash on the big screen with roles like Hollywood, the flamboyant window dresser in Mannequin and Mannequin II, and other very different movies such as Damien: Omen II.

Off-Screen

In 1983, Meshach Taylor wed actress Bianca Ferguson, with whom he had three daughters. He also had one son from a previous marriage.

Lasting Impression

Meshach Taylor was the kind of affable actor whose presence on stage or on screen can best be described as likable, no matter the type of character he portrayed. The multi-talented performer will remain forever cherished by his countless the world over.