Meshach Taylor

Photo of Meshach Taylor

Biography

Tall, boisterously amiable African-American character actor with a beaming smile, prominent chin and a good sense of timing. After supporting Dabney Coleman on the NBC sitcom, "Buffalo Bill" (1983-84), Taylor became noted for his flashy yet precise way with a retort as Anthony Bouvier, ex-convict turned handyman turned business partner on the popular CBS sitcom saga of a decoratrix dynasty, "Designing Women" (1986-93). Taylor has also acted …
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Job Title

Actor, Music

Born

April 11, 1947

Career Milestones

Grew up in New Orleans and Indianapolis

Most notable feature film role: as Hollywood in "Mannequin" (1987) and "Mannequin 2: On the Move" (1991)

Played Anthony Bouvier on popular CBS sitcom, "Designing Women"

Played Sheldon Baylor on the CBS sitcom, "Dave's World", starring Harry Anderson

Played Tony on NBC sitcom, "Buffalo Bill", starring Dabney Coleman

1978

First notable feature film role in "Damien--Omen II"

1982

Earliest TV appearances included a small role in the adult-oriented latenight CBS sitcom pilot, "I'd Rather Be Calm"

1987

TV-movie debut, "The Last Innocent Man", made for HBO

1998

Broadway debut as Lumiere in the stage musical "Disney's Beauty and the Beast"

2000

Was a regular panelist on the syndicated "To Tell the Truth"

Awards

1989

Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series in Designing Women