Meshach Taylor (April 11, 1947 – June 28, 2014) was an American actor. Taylor was best known for his role as Anthony Bouvier on the sitcom Designing Women for the entire run of the series. Taylor also is known for acting in film and tv series such as Mannequin and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.
Taylor first discovered his love for acting while in high school and went to college to study the dramatic arts. While spending time as a radio host and reporter in Indianapolis, he was still acting in theater and his first big break was acting in the national tour of Hair. He continued to act in theatre and in film and television, and after a well-received turn in the short-lived series Buffalo Bill, he was cast as Anthony Bouvier in Designing Women in 1986, a role he played for 7 seasons. After Designing Woman, Taylor continued to act on stage and screen, such as in the series Dave's World and Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide.
Taylor passed away on June 28, 2014, after battling colorectal cancer. He is survived by his wife actress Bianca Ferguson, his four children, and four grandchildren.
Selected Filmography
Film
- Damien: Omen II (1978) - Dr. William Kane
- Stony Island (1978) - Aldeman's Yes-Man
- The Howling (1981) - Shantz
- The Beast Within (1982) - Deputy Herbert
- The Haircut (1982) - Sam
- Explorers (1985) - Gordon Miller
- One More Saturday Night (1986) - Bill Neal
- Inside Out (1986) - Freddy
- Mannequin (1987) - Hollywood Montrose
- Mannequin Two: On the Move (1991) - Hollywood Montrose/Doorman
- The Allnighter (1987) - Hotel Detective Philip
- House of Games (1987) - Mr. Dean
- Ultra Warrior (1990) - Elijah
- Class Act (1992) - Duncan's Dad
- Double, Double, Toil and Trouble (1993) - Mr. N
- The Right Connections (1997) - Lionel Clark
- The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue (1998) - Cecil, voice
- Jacks Of Better (2000) - Ron
- Friends And Family (2001) - Bruno
Live-Action Television
- Lou Grant (1979-1981) - Kinsasha/Marcus Prescott/Calvin, 3 episodes
- Barney Miller (1982) - Melvin, 1 episodenote
- Hill Street Blues (1982-1986) - Con Man/Sloan, 2 episodes
- Buffalo Bill (1983-1984) - Tony
- What's Happening Now!! (1985) - Buddy Carlton, 2 episodes
- The Golden Girls (1985) - Police Officer
- Designing Women (1986–1993) - Anthony Bouvier, main role
- Dave's World (1993–1997) - Shel Baylor, main role
- Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide (2004–2007) - Mr. Wright, recurring role
- Criminal Minds (2012–2014) - Harrison Scott, 2 episodes, final appearance
