Meshach Taylor, best know for his role on Designing Women, has died at the age of 67. The actor was in hospice care at his home, having suffered from cancer, and he died on Friday in the presence his wife, his children, and his mother.
Taylor played the lovable assistant Anthony Bouvier on Designing Women. The show was about an outspoken feminist–played by Delta Burke–who ran a design firm out of her Atlanta home. The show ran from 1986 to 1993. In addition to Taylor and Burke Designing Women starred Dixie Carter, Annie Potts and Jean Smart. It was nominated for a string of awards throughout the years including two Golden Globes. It won an Emmy in 1988 for Outstanding Achievement in Hairstyling. Meshach Taylor received an Emmy Award nomination in the Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series category in 1989.
Taylor’s son Tariq Taylor shared word of his father’s passing on the actor’s Facebook page.
Meshach Taylor performed in a number of TV roles including ALF, The Incredible Hulk, and Dave’s World. He will forever be best remembered in Hollywood as Anthony Bouvier.
Celebrities and fans are sharing their grief over Meshach Taylor’s passing via social media.
RIP to my longtime friend, #MeshachTaylor. We were husband & wife on "Designing Women" & "Dave's World". He was an incredible talent & man.
— Jackée Harry (@JackeeHarry) June 29, 2014
Rep confirms Emmy-nominated 'Designing Women' actor Meshach Taylor has died at age 67.
— Victor Blackwell CNN (@VictorCNN) June 29, 2014
R.I.P. Meshach Taylor: Once you were surrounded by Designing Women, now you are surrounded by angels #MeshachTaylor pic.twitter.com/RkRJpaQVTs
— James Patrick Herman (@TheGlamourGuy) June 29, 2014
Meshach Taylor was born in Boston and went on to graduate from Florida A&M University before heading to Hollywood to pursue his love of acting. He is survived by his wife Bianca, whom he married back in 1983. He is also survived by their three daughters–Tamar, Esme, and Yasmine–and one son Tariq, as well as four grandchildren.
May his family and friends find peace in the difficult days to come.
Image via Wikimedia Commons