Fotos International/Courtesy Getty ImagesMeshach Taylor, an Emmy-nominated actor who won the hearts of viewers with his role as funny ex-con Anthony Bouvier on the 1980s series Designing Women, has died at age 67.
His rep confirmed to E! News that the actor passed away on Saturday, June 28, after battling cancer.
"He was surrounded by his family at his home in Altadena, California," the rep said. "Meshach valiantly fought colon rectal cancer for 18 months that recently spread to his liver. Meshach is survived by his wife of 30 years, Bianca, 4 children, 4 grandchildren and his mother, who just turned 100 years old, as well as his sister and brother. There will be a Memorial Service this Saturday, July 5, at Forest Lawn [Memorial Park in Glendale]. His family wanted to convey that this will be a celebration of his amazing life."
(Pictured above: The actor arrives for the opening night performance of Ain't Misbehavin in Los Angeles on April 24, 2009.)
"It is with love and gratitude that we sorrowfully announce that our darling, amazingly brilliant and dynamic, Meshach, the incredible father, husband, son and friend has begun his grand transition," Taylor's family said in a message posted on his Facebook page on Friday.
"Our friends who know and love us, please offer your prayers for his peace and blazing light as he ascends to the heavens. Those who need to call the family please do. Those who desire to post memories, we are open and graciously accepting all gestures of peace."
Designing Women aired between 1987 and 1993. Taylor's character, who had served time in prison after being falsely convicted of robbery, worked in an interior design company in Atlanta with four Southern belles, played by Delta Burke, Jean Smart, Annie Potts (of Ghostbusters fame) and Dixie Carter, who died at age 70 in 2010 after her own cancer battle. In 1987, Taylor was nominated for an Emmy for his supporting role (he lost to Woody Harrelson of Cheers).
Taylor was also known for his role as Mr. Wright on the Nickelodeon series Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide, which aired between 2004 and 2007, and Shel Baylor on the 1990s sitcom Dave's World, which was about popular syndicated humor columnist Dave Barry.
Taylor appeared in the 1978 horror film Damien: The Omen Part II and in the 1987 movie Mannequin with Kim Cattrall of Sex and the City fame, Andrew McCarthy and James Spader. He reprised his role of window dresser Hollywood Montrose in a 1991 sequel.
Taylor had also made guest appearances on shows such as Hannah Montana, The Drew Carey Show and Criminal Minds.