Meshach Taylor Net Worth

What Was Meshach Taylor Net Worth?

Meshach Taylor was an American actor with an estimated net worth of $550 thousand at the time of his death in 2014. Taylor became a household name, courtesy of his role as Anthony Bouvier in the CBS series “Designing Women” (1986-1993). He also played the role of Shel Baylor in the CBS sitcom “Dave’s World” (1993–1997). By the time he completed his career, he had over 70 acting credits to his name, but he was featured in such noteworthy movies as “Damien: Omen II” (1978), “The Howling” (1981), “Mannequin” (1987), “Class Act” (1992), and “Friends and Family.

On television, Taylor made guest appearances in shows like “Lou Grant” (1979–1981), “Buffalo Bill” (1983–1984), “Hill Street Blues” (1982; 1986), “Ned’s Dec Moreover, he showcased his talent on Broadway, embodying the character Lumiere in “Beauty and the Beast” in 1998.

Unfortunately, Taylor lost his battle to colorectal cancer in June 2014 but left behind quite an enviable legacy of some remarkable performances. He was 67 years old at the time of his death.

Early Life

Meshach Taylor was born April 11, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts, to proud parents Joseph T. Taylor and Hertha Mae Ward. Joseph, who has been at both high positions, as dean of students at Dillard University in New Orleans and the first dean of arts and sciences at Indiana University – Purdue University Indianapolis. After moving with them from New Orleans to Indianapolis, Meshach attended Crispus Attucks High School, where the seed was sown for the love of acting. Culmination, if you will, into his college years was from there, graduation in 1964, which graduated him into further dramatic arts pursuits. This path of education found him at Wilmington College in Ohio and then progressed down to Florida A&M University, where he further plunged into his craft. But his academic career took a bit of a detour when he left college with just a few credits to graduate and instead plunged into the world of journalism, becoming a Statehouse reporter for the AM radio station WIFE in Indianapolis. The journey from acting to broadcasting was also a breeze for Meshach, who worked under the name of Bruce Thomas for his on-air personality. After this, he moved to head another television series, this time a community-affairs show on WLWI TV under the name Bruce Taylor. But finally, returning back into the mainstream of academia after a small detour, Meshach successfully graduated with a degree in Theatre Arts from Florida A&M University in the year 1993, effectively rounding off his solid years of learning and dedication toward both his education and craft.

Meshach Taylor Career

Meshach Taylor began his professional acting career touring the country with the musical “Hair” before going on to do everything from Chicago’s robust theater scene, where he was a well-known player with the Organic Theater Company and Goodman Theatre. His talents also brought him a Joseph Jefferson Award for Actor in a Principal Role in a Play, honoring his performance in Athol Fugard’s “Sizwe Banzi Is Dead” (1977). He would add to his list of acknowledgments with a nomination in that same category for his portrayal in the David Rabe play “Streamers, Native Son” (1979). Taylor did all of this with ease, jumping from medium to medium; he won an Emmy for his turn as Jim in “Huckleberry Finn” for WTTW, a Chicago TV station, and for hosting the locally-produced television series “Black Life,” a discussion forum focusing on issues relevant to Chicago’s black community. He moved to Los Angeles in 1977, and the movies started to take off with his film debut in “Damien: Omen II” in 1978. Very busy time, those years, with such feature film appearances as “Stony Island” (1978) and on the TV shows “Barnaby Jones” (1978), “The Incredible Hulk” (1979), and “Lou Grant” (1979–1981). Throughout the ’80s, Taylor kept up acting between the big and small screens, with prominent roles in such films as “The Howling” (1981), “The Beast Within” (1982), “House of Games” (1987), and guest appearances in classic television shows like “MAS*H” (1981), “The Golden Girls” (1985), and “Hill Street Blues” (1982; 1986). His career soared further when he co-starred in the NBC sitcom “Buffalo Bill” (1983–1984) and played Hollywood Montrose in the film “Mannequin” (1987) and its sequel “Mannequin: On the Move” (1991). But it was in his portrayal of Anthony Bouvier on the CBS sitcom “Designing Women” (1986-1993) that he really etched himself in the annals of television history, taking home a Primetime Emmy nod and fans from coast to coast for his performance. Taylor’s interpretation of Anthony would be transferred to the screen again in 1995 for the spin-off series “Women of the House.” He continued with guest roles on other TV series and a few more movie series and television movies, among them “Ultra Warrior” (1990), “Class Act” (1992), and “Double, Double Toil and Trouble” (1993). He gave voice to the character of Cecil in the animated film “The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue” (1998), and as for the field of serials, then here he appeared with guest roles in the projects “Dave’s World” (1993-1997), “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide” (2004- Although he made huge contributions to the entertainment industry, Taylor’s last acting gigs came in 2012 and 2014 when he appeared as a guest on shows like “Criminal Minds,” the longtime friend of Joe Mantegna. He got honored with the “Anonymous” episode of “Criminal Minds” series in 2015—another tribute to add to a full, great career of several decades full of brilliant creations and touching hearts.

Personal Life

Meshach had tied the knot with his first wife, Sandra, in 1969, and bore a son, Tariq, but they separated in 1980. After three years, he married an actress, Bianca Ferguson. From that marriage, he had three daughters: Esme, Tamar, and Yasmine, all of whom he was with until his death in June 2014.

Death

Meshach Taylor succumbed to colorectal cancer at his residence in Altadena on June 28, 2014, at 67 years old. His family was at his bedside when he breathed his last and, together with the rest of his friends and followers, shared on his Facebook page: “With heavy hearts and deepest sorrow, we announce the grand transition of Meshach, remarkably brilliant and dynamic, a cherished father, husband, son, and friend.” A memorial service had been held at Forest Lawn Memorial Park in the Hollywood Hills for him on July 3, 2014.

Awards and Nominations

Meanwhile, Taylor was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in “Designing Women” in the category of Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series during 1989. He was nominated four times during the show’s run for Best Supporting Actor in a Quality Comedy Series from the Viewjson for Quality Television Awards. This immense talent has earned him the victories of 1988, 1989, and 1990. In addition, it is at this very time that Meshach Taylor and fellow actors from the “Jacks or Better” series were awarded the Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Acting at the renowned RiverRun International Film Festival in the year 2000.

FAQ about Meshach Taylor Net Worth

1. What was Meshach Taylor net worth at the time of his passing?
   • Meshach Taylor Net Worth of $550 thousand by the time of his death in 2014.
2. Which notable television shows did Meshach Taylor appear in?
   • Taylor gained prominence through his acclaimed portrayal of Anthony Bouvier on the CBS series “Designing Women” (1986–1993) and also portrayed Shel Baylor on the CBS sitcom “Dave’s World” (1993–1997). Additionally, he made appearances in various series such as “Lou Grant,” “Buffalo Bill,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide,” and “Criminal Minds.”
3. What were some of Meshach Taylor’s notable film roles?
   • Throughout his career, Taylor starred in several notable films, including “Damien: Omen II” (1978), “The Howling” (1981), “Mannequin” (1987), “Class Act” (1992), and “Friends and Family” (2001).
4. Can you provide insight into Meshach Taylor’s early life and education?
   • Meshach Taylor was born on April 11, 1947, in Boston, Massachusetts. He attended Crispus Attucks High School before pursuing further education at Wilmington College in Ohio and Florida A&M University. Despite initially venturing into journalism, he eventually returned to academia, completing his degree in theatre arts from Florida A&M University in 1993.
5. What contributed to Meshach Taylor’s success in the entertainment industry?
   • Taylor’s success stemmed from his versatility and talent as an actor. He began his professional acting journey on a nationwide tour of the musical “Hair” before establishing himself in Chicago’s vibrant theater scene. His notable roles in films and television series, coupled with his acclaimed portrayal of Anthony Bouvier in “Designing Women,” solidified his place in television history.
6. How did Meshach Taylor’s personal life influence his career?
   • Taylor’s personal life, including his marriages and children, provided a supportive foundation for his career in the entertainment industry. Despite facing personal challenges, such as his battle with colorectal cancer, Taylor’s dedication to his craft remained unwavering until his passing in June 2014.
7. What awards and recognitions did Meshach Taylor receive during his career?
   • Taylor received numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series for his portrayal in “Designing Women.” He also secured four nominations from the Viewers for Quality Television Awards and won in 1988, 1989, and 1990. Additionally, Taylor and his co-stars received a Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Acting at the RiverRun International Film Festival in 2000.

Quick Summary

1. American actor Meshach Taylor rose to fame by his very appreciated character portrayal of Anthony Bouvier on the series “Designing Women” by CBS, and as a regular performer, he also had his parts in the CBS sitcom “Dave’s World,” performing as Shel Baylor. Throughout his career, he shot in more than 70 films, thanks to which it is possible to list such celebrated and popular pictures as “Damien: Omen II,” “The Howling,” “Mannequin,” “Class Act,” “Friends and Family,” and many others. At the same time, on the small screen, Taylor stayed in the memory of the audience on such TV shows as “Lou Grant,” “Buffalo Bill,” “Hill Street Blues,” “Ned’s Declassified School Survival Guide,” and “Criminal Minds.”
2. In one word, it would be necessary to tell about the personal life of Meshach Taylor, which has been related to some important occasions—his marriages to Sandra and Bianca Ferguson and the children he has with them. Unfortunately, Taylor died at the age of 67 in June 2014 from colorectal cancer, but he left a great legacy of outstanding performances. The contribution to the entertainment industry of this man, so bound up in his life and beliefs, could not be totally stopped by his death. He was awarded countless prizes and nominations for talent and devotion; among them were the Primetime Emmy nomination and Viewer for Quality Television Awards for “Designing Women” and a Jury Prize for Best Ensemble Acting from the RiverRun International Film Festival.

Mahbubur R. Mamun

Mamun our star-studded storyteller and the brains behind the buzz of celebrity & net worth. He dives headfirst into the glitz and glamour of the celebrity world, bringing you the latest and greatest from the lives of the rich and famous.

Mamun has been at the forefront of celebrity journalism, tracking the highs, the lows, and everything in between. He haves an eagle eye for detail and a knack for unraveling the threads of stardom to present you with the most accurate and enthralling celebrity narratives.

Whether it’s breaking news about Hollywood’s elite or deep dives into the net worth of the world’s most influential personalities, Mamun has got it covered. With a mix of meticulous research and a dash of charm, he crafts stories that not only inform but also engage and entertain.

Away from the keyboard, Mamun is an avid people-watcher and loves to speculate on the next big trends in celebrity culture. Join him as he navigate the ever-changing landscape of fame, fortune, and fanfare!