Meshach Taylor, best known for his role as the lovable ex-con in Designing Women, died Saturday after a bout with cancer. He was 67.

Taylor was under hospice care and surrounded by his wife, children and mother, when he passed away at his home in Altadena, California. His son told the Los Angeles Times the Mannequin actor died at 10:47 p.m.

The family posted on the Emmy-nominated actor’s Facebook page Friday that his health had started to decline.

“It is with love and gratitude that we sorrowfully announce that our darling, amazingly brilliant and dynamic Meshach, the incredible father, husband, son and friend has begun his grand transition,” they wrote.

Entertainment News: Actor Meshach Taylor dies at 67. http://t.co/MpMiGrpc7H pic.twitter.com/lZuWsd2QwU

— KAKE News (@KAKEnews) June 29, 2014

Family post on actor Meshach Taylor's Facebook page, indicates star of the CBS hit sitcom DESIGNING WOMEN has died. pic.twitter.com/MX9U6q1uBe

— KJLH News (@KJLHNews) June 28, 2014

“Our friends who know and love us, please offer your prayers for his peace and blazing light as he ascends to the heavens. Those who need to call the family please do. Those who desire to post memories, we are open and graciously accepting all gestures of peace. Love, the Taylor family.”

Meshach Taylor, beloved sitcom star, dies at 67. http://t.co/A67DuXSpx5 pic.twitter.com/jfijuFNSdH

— V.F. HOLLYWOOD (@vfhollywood) June 29, 2014

The Boston native began his career as a member of Chicago’s Goodman Theatre. Further down his career path, he received an Emmy nomination for his portrayal of Anthony Bouvier on Designing Women from 1986 to 1993 and followed that with four seasons on Dave’s World.

"Designing Women" star Meshach Taylor dies at 67 http://t.co/dxm6G6Fgxm pic.twitter.com/MSQ2xI9msk

— HuffPost Celebrity (@HuffPostCeleb) June 29, 2014

Other series in which he starred include Buffalo Bill and Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide. He also guest-starred on TV series including Criminal Minds, The Unit, Hannah Montana and The Drew Carey Show.

His movie roles include playing a flamboyant window dresser in Mannequin and an appearance in Damien: The Omen Part II.

Image via Wikimedia Commons