# The Heartbreaking Truth Behind Meshach Taylor’s Final Days

Meshach Taylor, beloved for his iconic roles as Anthony Bouvier on *Designing Women* and Hollywood Montrose in *Mannequin*, passed away on June 28, 2014, at 67, after a courageous battle with colorectal cancer. His final days in Altadena, California, surrounded by family and friends, reflected the grace and determination that defined his life and career.

Despite his declining health, Taylor’s commitment to family shone through as he traveled to Indiana just 11 days before his death to celebrate his mother Hertha’s 100th birthday, showcasing his unwavering values of family and perseverance.

Born on April 11, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, to academic parents, Taylor’s early life was shaped by education and discipline. His father, Joseph T. Taylor, was a pioneering dean at universities like Dillard and Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis, while his mother was a dedicated teacher.

Though expected to follow an academic path, Taylor discovered his passion for performance at Crispus Attucks High School in Indianapolis, a hub for artistic excellence.

After leaving college just shy of graduation at Florida A&M University, he pursued acting, working as a radio and TV reporter in Indianapolis before joining the national tour of *Hair* in 1972, a transformative experience that launched his career.

Taylor’s journey to Hollywood was far from easy. After years of intensive theater training in Chicago, where he won the prestigious Joseph Jefferson Award for his role in Athol Fugard’s *Sizwe Banzi Is Dead* in 1977, he moved to Los Angeles in 1978. Struggling initially, he lived in his car while taking day labor jobs, yet his persistence paid off.

His breakthrough came in 1986 with *Designing Women*, where a one-time guest role as Anthony Bouvier—an ex-convict turned delivery man—turned into a seven-season stint due to his extraordinary chemistry with the cast. Nominated for an Emmy in 1989, Taylor brought depth to a character who often served as the moral compass, addressing issues like civil rights and HIV with humor and humanity.

Beyond *Designing Women*, Taylor’s versatility shone in films like *Mannequin* and dramatic roles in *Damien: Omen II* and *House of Games*. He made his Broadway debut in 1998 as Lumiere in *Beauty and the Beast* and later starred in sitcoms like *Dave’s World* and *Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide*.

Even in his final years, he delivered powerful performances on *Criminal Minds* (2012-2014) as Harrison Scott, a role requested by lifelong friend Joe Mantegna, with whom he shared a 40-year bond from their *Hair* days.

Taylor’s death marked the end of a remarkable legacy, but his influence endures. His net worth, estimated at $500,000 to $1 million, reflected a career driven by artistic merit over financial gain. His final birthday on April 12, 2014, became an impromptu reunion of theater and TV legends, a testament to the respect he earned.

Meshach Taylor’s story is one of talent, resilience, and humanity—a reminder that true success lies in the impact one leaves on others.