Meshach Taylor

Early life and education

Taylor was born in Boston, Massachusetts, and was raised in New Orleans, Louisiana. He studied drama and began acting at a young age, later attending Florida A&M University. Sources note that he completed his college degree in the early 1990s, after beginning a professional career in the performing arts. His early training included stage work that gave him a foundation for both dramatic and comedic roles.

Career

Taylor worked extensively in theatre before gaining national attention on television. He appeared in a variety of productions ranging from regional theatre to touring shows, developing a reputation as a dependable character actor. His national breakthrough came with the role of Anthony Bouvier on the ensemble sitcom Designing Women, a CBS series where his performance earned an Emmy Award nomination and broadened his visibility with mainstream audiences. The show, produced by CBS, ran for several seasons and was notable for its ensemble cast and mix of comedy with topical themes.

In film, Taylor is often remembered for his portrayal of Hollywood Montrose, the flamboyant window dresser in the 1987 romantic comedy Mannequin. That role showcased his gift for creating instantly recognizable characters and contributed to his pop-culture profile. Beyond these signature parts, Taylor made numerous guest and supporting appearances on television dramas and comedies through the 1970s, 1980s and later decades, demonstrating range from straight drama to broad comedy.

Awards and recognition

Taylor received industry recognition for his television work, most prominently the Emmy nomination that followed his portrayal of Anthony Bouvier. While he was not primarily an awards-driven performer, critics and colleagues frequently highlighted his professionalism and the way he elevated supporting characters within ensemble casts.

Personal life

Taylor married actress Bianca Ferguson in 1983, and the couple had four children. He kept much of his family life private while maintaining a steady professional schedule. Colleagues have described him as warm, hardworking and generous with younger actors seeking advice or mentorship.

Illness and death

In later years Taylor was diagnosed with colorectal cancer. Reports from his family and the press indicated the illness was terminal before his death on June 28, 2014. He died in Altadena, California, at the age of 67. His passing prompted tributes from co‑workers, fans and media outlets that remembered both his career and his personal warmth.

Legacy

Meshach Taylor is remembered as a character actor who left a lasting impression in both television and film. His role on Designing Women helped bring a distinctive presence to prime-time ensemble television, and his film work, particularly in Mannequin, remains part of popular memory. Theater practitioners and television historians cite him as an example of a performer who moved fluidly between stage and screen while creating characters that resonated with audiences.

Selected credits

• Designing Women (television series) — Anthony Bouvier, 1986–1993
• Mannequin (film) — Hollywood Montrose, 1987
• Numerous guest and supporting roles on television and in film, plus stage work in regional and touring productions