Meshach Taylor from 'Designing Women' dies at 67

[KentB3]

Meshach Taylor from 'Designing Women' dies at 67
Associated Press

Meshach Taylor, who played a lovable ex-convict surrounded by boisterous Southern belles on the sitcom "Designing Women" and appeared in numerous other TV and film roles, died of cancer at age 67, his agent said Sunday.

Taylor died Saturday at his home near Los Angeles, agent Dede Binder said.

Taylor got an Emmy nod for his portrayal of Anthony Bouvier on "Designing Women" from 1986 to 1993. Then he costarred for four seasons on another successful comedy, "Dave's World," as the best friend of a newspaper humor columnist played by the series' star, Harry Anderson.

Other series included the cult favorite "Buffalo Bill" and the popular Nickelodeon comedy "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide."

Taylor's movie roles included a flamboyant window dresser in the 1987 comedy-romance "Mannequin" as well as "Damien: Omen II."

He guested on many series including "Hannah Montana," ''The Unit," ''Hill Street Blues," ''Barney Miller," ''Lou Grant," ''The Drew Carey Show," and, in an episode that aired in January, "Criminal Minds," which stars Joe Montegna, with whom Taylor performed early in his career as a fellow member of Chicago's Organic Theater Company. Taylor also had been a member of that city's Goodman Theatre.

The Boston-born Taylor started acting in community shows in New Orleans, where his father was dean of students at Dillard University. He continued doing roles in Indianapolis after his father moved to Indiana University as dean of the college of arts and sciences.

[SBETigg]

Surprised by this news, and that he was 67. He seemed so eternally young. I guess it helps that I haven't seen him in anything in awhile. But what likable, fun characters he brought to life. I'm sorry for his friends and family.

[Hammer]

I so loved him in Designing Women! I had seen him the last two seasons on Criminal Minds in a recurring role as a Marine friend of Rossi's from the Vietnam War who had become homeless. Nothing comedic about the role, but he was able to make you like the character and cheer for him to succeed (though, honestly, I would root for anyone in that predicament).

He will be missed! Prayers to his family.