Reports: 'Designing Women' Star On His Death Bed
LOS ANGELES (CBSLA.com) — "Designing Women" star Meshach Taylor is reportedly on his death bed, according to RumorFix.com
Several media outlets have reported the death of the former sitcom star, but Rumorfix quoted Taylor's son. Tariq, saying his father was grave and surrounded by loved ones.
"For all the people that have given premature condolences: don't feel bad. I am happy to feel the love. My Dad has not passed just yet, but he has begun to actively transition. Thanks again everyone for your kind words during this tough time," Tariq wrote.
Taylor -- Emmy-nominated for his role as "Designing Women" assistant Anthony Bouvier -- is said to be battling cancer.
He turned 67 this past April.
A family spokesperson told RumorFix that Meshach's 100-year-old mother is also at his bedside.
In 1983, Taylor married then "General Hospital" star Bianca Ferguson, best known as Claudia, Luke & Laura's friend. He and Ferguson -- his second wife -- had four children, three daughters and the aforementioned son.
Meshach -- pronounced Mee-shack -- also had a daughter from a first marriage (1969-1980). He has four grandchildren.
"Designing Women," a popular sitcom about four sassy and sharp-tongued women who ran an Atlanta design business, ran on CBS from 1986-1993. Taylor proved so popular in the role, he ended up being made a full-fledged partner in the business by the series' end.
Taylor was also well-known for starring as the flamboyant window dresser in the movie "Mannequin."
His other credits included "Dave's World," "Buffalo Bill," "ALF," "The Drew Carey Show," the final episode of "MASH" and "Barnaby Jones."
A gardening enthusiast, Taylor hosted "The Urban Gardener with Meshach Taylor" on HGTV in 1996. He was also an enthusiastic lover of game shows and appeared as a regular panelist on the 2000 revival of "To Tell the Truth."
The Boston-born Taylor -- son of a college dean and a school teacher -- most recently guest-starred in CBS' "Criminal Minds" from 2012-2014.
