'Designing Women' Star Meshach Taylor Dead At 67

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Emmy-nominated actor Meshach Taylor, best known for playing Anthony Bouvier on the hit CBS sitcom Designing Women, died Saturday after a long battle with cancer. He was 67.

According to a statement released by Taylor's son to the Los Angeles Times, the actor – who had been in hospice care – passed away surrounded by his loved ones in his Altadena, California home late Saturday night.

Born in Boston in 1947, Taylor's first foray into acting was in a national stage tour of the hippie musical Hair, after which he continued to develop his talents at the legendary Goodman Theatre in Chicago.

In 1978 he moved to Los Angeles where his career in film and television really took off. His screen debut came in the horror film Damien: Omen II, followed by a series of bit parts before landing a recurring role on the sitcom Buffalo Bill in 1983.

In 1986 he landed his biggest role, the lovable ex-con Anthony Bouvier on Designing Women. In 1989 he was nominated for a Primetime Emmy for the part.

Taylor also starred in the cult comedy Mannequin, and its sequel Mannequin Two: On The Move.

He continued acting in many films and television shows through his life, even into his final year, having recently guest starred on the CBS drama Criminal Minds.

Taylor is survived by his wife Bianca Ferguson and his four children Tamar, Yasmine, Esme and Tariq.