Meshach Taylor

Acting

Meshach Taylor

Born April 11, 1947 · Boston, Massachusetts, USA

Died June 28, 2014 · aged 67

Meshach Taylor (April 11, 1947 – June 28, 2014) was an American actor. He was widely known for his role as Anthony Bouvier on the CBS sitcom Designing Women (1986–93), for which he was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Comedy Series. He was also known for his portrayal of Hollywood Montrose, a flamboyant window dresser in the 1987 film Mannequin and its 1…

Known For

The HowlingThe Howling · 1981
The Howling
6.61981
MovieHorror
After a bizarre and near fatal encounter with a serial killer, a newswoman is sent to a rehabilitation center whose inhabitants may not be what they seem.
ExplorersExplorers · 1985
Explorers
6.31985
MovieScience FictionAdventure
Middle schooler Ben spends his free time watching sci-fi films, playing video games and reading comic books. Surprisingly, his affinity for all things fantastical yields a real result – when he has a vivid dream about technology, his prodigy best friend Wolfgang manages to create a working spacecraft. Joined by their buddy Darren, the boys take off into outer space and encounter some very odd extraterrestrial life.
Damien - Omen IIDamien - Omen II · 1978
Damien - Omen II
6.41978
MovieHorrorThriller
Since the sudden and suspicious deaths of his parents, young Damien has been in the charge of his wealthy aunt and uncle and enrolled in a military school. Widely feared to be the Antichrist, he relentlessly plots to seize control of his uncle's business empire — and the world.
MannequinMannequin · 1987
Mannequin
6.91987
MovieComedyRomance
Jonathan Switcher, an unemployed artist, finds a job as an assistant window dresser for a department store. When Jonathan happens upon a beautiful mannequin he previously designed, she springs to life and introduces herself as Emmy, an Egyptian under an ancient spell. Despite interference from the store's devious manager, Jonathan and his mannequin fall in love while creating eye-catching window displays to keep the struggling store in business.
Mannequin Two: On the MoveMannequin Two: On the Move · 1991
Mannequin Two: On the Move
5.81991
MovieFantasyComedy
Although Jason works as a department store clerk, he is also a reincarnated prince. Long ago, his beloved Jessie was snatched away from him by an evil wizard who used his powers to transform her into wooden statue. Now Jessie is in Jason's department store as a mannequin. When he encounters her, she awakens from her thousand-year sleep. They quickly revive their romance, but the evil wizard has been reincarnated as well, and he's up to no good.
Class ActClass Act · 1992
Class Act
6.21992
MovieComedyDrama
Duncan is a genius straight A student, Blade is ajuvenile delinquent. But because of a mix up with their school records, everyone thinks each is the other one. Now, Duncan kind of likes the attention from being thought of as a real bad dude, if only the school bully would stop trying to rough him up. And Blade definitely likes being thought of as important instead of as trouble.
WiggerWigger · 2010
Wigger
2010
MovieDrama
"Wigger" is a spellbinding urban drama, which chronicles the life of a young, White, male (Brandon) who totally emulates and immerses himself in African American life and culture. Brandon is an aspiring R&B singer struggling to overcome the confines of a White racist, impoverished family headed by a neo-Nazi father who is absolutely appalled by his son's total identification with Black culture. Additionally, he is oft times reminded of his position of privilege by virtue of being White in a White, racist society despite his adamant efforts to transcend "Whiteness", institutionalized racism, and find a place for himself in a world in which he rejects Whiteness but is not always fully embraced by African American culture. Ultimately, this is the story of a young White, inner-city, male caught up in an emotional, psychological, experiential, and racial "Catch 22" determined to be granted acceptance in the life and culture with which he chooses to identify.
House of GamesHouse of Games · 1987
House of Games
6.81987
MovieCrimeThriller
A psychiatrist comes to the aid of a compulsive gambler and is led by a smooth-talking grifter into the shadowy but compelling world of stings, scams, and con men.

Movies

The HowlingThe Howling · 1981
The Howling
6.61981
MovieHorror
After a bizarre and near fatal encounter with a serial killer, a newswoman is sent to a rehabilitation center whose inhabitants may not be what they seem.
ExplorersExplorers · 1985
Explorers
6.31985
MovieScience FictionAdventure
Middle schooler Ben spends his free time watching sci-fi films, playing video games and reading comic books. Surprisingly, his affinity for all things fantastical yields a real result – when he has a vivid dream about technology, his prodigy best friend Wolfgang manages to create a working spacecraft. Joined by their buddy Darren, the boys take off into outer space and encounter some very odd extraterrestrial life.
Damien - Omen IIDamien - Omen II · 1978
Damien - Omen II
6.41978
MovieHorrorThriller
Since the sudden and suspicious deaths of his parents, young Damien has been in the charge of his wealthy aunt and uncle and enrolled in a military school. Widely feared to be the Antichrist, he relentlessly plots to seize control of his uncle's business empire — and the world.
MannequinMannequin · 1987
Mannequin
6.91987
MovieComedyRomance
Jonathan Switcher, an unemployed artist, finds a job as an assistant window dresser for a department store. When Jonathan happens upon a beautiful mannequin he previously designed, she springs to life and introduces herself as Emmy, an Egyptian under an ancient spell. Despite interference from the store's devious manager, Jonathan and his mannequin fall in love while creating eye-catching window displays to keep the struggling store in business.
Mannequin Two: On the MoveMannequin Two: On the Move · 1991
Mannequin Two: On the Move
5.81991
MovieFantasyComedy
Although Jason works as a department store clerk, he is also a reincarnated prince. Long ago, his beloved Jessie was snatched away from him by an evil wizard who used his powers to transform her into wooden statue. Now Jessie is in Jason's department store as a mannequin. When he encounters her, she awakens from her thousand-year sleep. They quickly revive their romance, but the evil wizard has been reincarnated as well, and he's up to no good.
Class ActClass Act · 1992
Class Act
6.21992
MovieComedyDrama
Duncan is a genius straight A student, Blade is ajuvenile delinquent. But because of a mix up with their school records, everyone thinks each is the other one. Now, Duncan kind of likes the attention from being thought of as a real bad dude, if only the school bully would stop trying to rough him up. And Blade definitely likes being thought of as important instead of as trouble.
WiggerWigger · 2010
Wigger
2010
MovieDrama
"Wigger" is a spellbinding urban drama, which chronicles the life of a young, White, male (Brandon) who totally emulates and immerses himself in African American life and culture. Brandon is an aspiring R&B singer struggling to overcome the confines of a White racist, impoverished family headed by a neo-Nazi father who is absolutely appalled by his son's total identification with Black culture. Additionally, he is oft times reminded of his position of privilege by virtue of being White in a White, racist society despite his adamant efforts to transcend "Whiteness", institutionalized racism, and find a place for himself in a world in which he rejects Whiteness but is not always fully embraced by African American culture. Ultimately, this is the story of a young White, inner-city, male caught up in an emotional, psychological, experiential, and racial "Catch 22" determined to be granted acceptance in the life and culture with which he chooses to identify.
House of GamesHouse of Games · 1987
House of Games
6.81987
MovieCrimeThriller
A psychiatrist comes to the aid of a compulsive gambler and is led by a smooth-talking grifter into the shadowy but compelling world of stings, scams, and con men.
Double, Double, Toil and TroubleDouble, Double, Toil and Trouble · 1993
Double, Double, Toil and Trouble
6.41993
MovieFamilyTV Movie
On Halloween night, two precocious little girls try to save their parents from their nasty old capitalist aunt's greedy clutches. Magic abounds and they meet mysterious new friends along the way.
The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the RescueThe Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue · 1999
The Secret of NIMH 2: Timmy to the Rescue
4.71999
MovieAnimationFamily
The rats and mice, made intellectually superior in the original Secret of N.I.M.H., return to Thorn Valley to groom their destined leader - young Timmy Brisby.
The AllnighterThe Allnighter · 1987
The Allnighter
4.71987
MovieComedyRomance
Molly, Val and Gina are graduating college, but on their final night, frustrations are aired. Molly is still looking for real love and Val is beginning to doubt if that is what she has found. Gina is too busy videotaping everything to really notice. When the final party at Pacifica College kicks off, things do not go exactly as planned.
The Beast WithinThe Beast Within · 1982
The Beast Within
5.51982
MovieHorrorFantasy
A horrified teen mutates into a crazed cannibalistic swamp creature, and must uncover the terrifying secret identity of his father before his nasty natural tendencies force him to make jambalaya out of the locals.
The Last Innocent ManThe Last Innocent Man · 1987
The Last Innocent Man
5.31987
MovieCrimeTV Movie
A retired criminal lawyer is persuaded to take on one more case and becomes involved with his client's wife.
Virtual SeductionVirtual Seduction · 1995
Virtual Seduction
4.31995
MovieScience FictionTV Movie
A man becomes obsessed with a virtual reality game that can resurrect his murdered girlfriend in cyberspace.
Warning SignWarning Sign · 1985
Warning Sign
5.91985
MovieDramaScience Fiction
An accident occurs in an ultra-secret government biological weapons laboratory spreading a sinister bacteria.
Friends and FamilyFriends and Family · 2001
Friends and Family
5.82001
MovieActionComedy
Gay New York couple Stephen Torcelli and Danny Russo have something to hide from Stephen's parents -- their jobs as Mafia enforcers. When the Torcelli family plans to visit, Stephen and Danny panic because Stephen's father works for the FBI. Despite efforts to keep family and Mafia separate, a birthday party gets mixed up with a mobster's daughter's engagement party. Trouble arises when the mobsters concoct a political scheme at the party.
Inside OutInside Out · 1987
Inside Out
5.61987
MovieDramaThriller
An agoraphobic must give up his sheltered life and venture outside after a series of personal and financial problems.
One More Saturday NightOne More Saturday Night · 1986
One More Saturday Night
4.21986
MovieComedy
The problems faced by both teenagers and adults in a small Minnesota town who are trying to get dates for a Saturday night.
Stony IslandStony Island · 1978
Stony Island
8.01978
MovieMusicDrama
Richie Bloom, the only white kid on the block, forms an R&B band with his best friend, Kevin. With the help of their mentor, aging sax legend Percy, they pull together a funky supergroup. Despite few resources and heavy losses this resilient group of dedicated musicians, armed only with wit, sleight of hand and outrageous Chicago bravado must come together to finally make their smash debut.
HyenasHyenas · 2010
Hyenas
3.02010
MovieDramaHorror
Roving clans of shape-shifting human/hyena creatures prowl and hunt for human prey. They are hunted by one man seeking revenge for the death of his loved ones.
The Designing Women ReunionThe Designing Women Reunion · 2003
The Designing Women Reunion
2003
MovieComedy
This five principal original cast members (plus a handful of recurring guests) from the popular sitcom Designing Women (1986) reunite for the first time since 1991 to reminisce and discuss the show.
Ultra WarriorUltra Warrior · 1990
Ultra Warrior
3.61990
MovieActionAdventure
After the nuclear holocaust, one man rises from the ashes to become the leader of a ragged gang of survivors. They soon discover that their greatest challenge is yet to come; they must fight a battle for the ages against the evil minions of The Bishop.
The Right ConnectionsThe Right Connections · 1997
The Right Connections
3.81997
MovieMusicFamily
The Tompkins's kids have a good life despite being raised by a single mum. However when Gail loses her job they look like they will have to make sacrifices ...
Fly Away HomeFly Away Home · 1981
Fly Away Home
6.01981
MovieDramaTV Movie
Ambitious pilot to a prospective series revolving around a combat cameraman in Vietnam. Carl Danton is in Saigon on assignment at the start of the 1968 Tet offensive with a cynical boss in the local bureau chief. His love interest is a Vietnamese doctor whose brother happens to be a leader in the Viet Cong and whose influential parents are involved in high-level corruption.

TV Shows

Criminal MindsCriminal Minds · 2005
Criminal Minds
8.32005
SeriesCrimeDrama
An elite team of FBI profilers analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The Behavioral Analysis Unit's most experienced agent is David Rossi, a founding member of the BAU who returns to help the team solve new cases.
The ViewThe View · 1997
The View
4.31997
Series
ABC Daytime's morning chatfest, currently featuring Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Sunny Hostin, Sara Haines, Alyssa Farah Griffin, and Ana Navarro discussing the most exciting events of the day. Hot topics in the news, the best experts in their field, celebrity interviews and general entertainment are all part of The View.
M*A*S*HM*A*S*H · 1972
M*A*S*H
7.91972
SeriesDrama
The 4077th Mobile Army Surgical Hospital is stuck in the middle of the Korean war. With little help from the circumstances they find themselves in, they are forced to make their own fun. Fond of practical jokes and revenge, the doctors, nurses, administrators, and soldiers often find ways of making wartime life bearable.
The Drew Carey ShowThe Drew Carey Show · 1995
The Drew Carey Show
6.51995
SeriesComedy
Drew is an assistant director of personnel in a Cleveland department store and he has been stuck there for ten years. Other than fighting with co-worker Mimi, his hobbies include drinking beer and not being able to get dates. To make a few extra bucks he has a micro-brewery going in his garage with his buddies.
Hill Street BluesHill Street Blues · 1981
Hill Street Blues
7.61981
SeriesDramaCrime
A realistic glimpse into the daily lives of the officers and detectives at an urban police station.
ALFALF · 1986
ALF
7.71986
SeriesComedyFamily
A furry alien wiseguy comes to live with a terran family after crashing into their garage.
The Golden GirlsThe Golden Girls · 1985
The Golden Girls
7.61985
SeriesComedy
Four Southern Florida seniors share a house, their dreams, and a whole lot of cheesecake. Bright, promiscuous, clueless and hilarious, these lovely, mismatched ladies form the perfect circle of friends.
The UnitThe Unit · 2006
The Unit
7.32006
SeriesDrama
A covert team of special forces operatives risk their lives on undercover missions around the globe, while their wives maintain the homefront, protecting their husbands' secrets.
Hannah MontanaHannah Montana · 2006
Hannah Montana
7.12006
SeriesComedyFamily
At home and school, she's Miley Stewart, a typical teenager, but when the lights go down and the curtain goes up, she emerges as the glamorous and talented Hannah Montana. Having the "Best of Both Worlds" is a complicated proposition, and keeping her identity under wraps leads Miley and her friends into some hilarious capers as she tries to balance her normal life with her rock star persona.
Barney MillerBarney Miller · 1975
Barney Miller
7.41975
SeriesComedy
Barney Miller is the kind of cop we'd all like to run into. Always sensible, he maintains order over a band of detectives who gamble, hit on anything in skirts, go to renaissance philosophy conventions for fun, and would really prefer to be writing. Nearly all of the action takes place in the squad room where citizens and criminals are brought in to complicate the mix.
Lou GrantLou Grant · 1977
Lou Grant
7.31977
SeriesComedyDrama
The trials of a former television station manager turned newspaper city editor, and his journalist staff.
JessieJessie · 2011
Jessie
8.02011
SeriesComedy
An idealistic teen from rural Texas embarks on the adventure of a lifetime when she decides to leave behind starry nights for big city lights. Thrilled to be on her own and determined not to be intimidated by New York City, she accepts a job as nanny for a high-profile couple with four kids. Helping to keep her moral compass in check are Bertram, the family's butler, and Tony, the building's 20-year-old doorman.
The Incredible HulkThe Incredible Hulk · 1977
The Incredible Hulk
7.21977
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
During an experiment gone bad, radiation turns a scientist into a raging green behemoth whenever he becomes agitated. Unable to control his transformations, David Banner searches for a cure as he crosses the country, fugitive-style, with a dogged tabloid reporter on his trail.
Cagney & LaceyCagney & Lacey · 1982
Cagney & Lacey
6.91982
SeriesCrimeDrama
Mary Beth Lacey and Chris Cagney are teamed up as NYPD police detectives. Their opposing personalities (one is tough and the other sensitive) mesh to make this one of the great crime-fighting duos of all time.
Caroline in the CityCaroline in the City · 1995
Caroline in the City
6.61995
SeriesComedyDrama
Caroline Duffy is a successful cartoonist in Manhattan whose eclectic friends are sometimes the subjects of her comic strip.
Barnaby JonesBarnaby Jones · 1973
Barnaby Jones
7.01973
SeriesCrimeDrama
Barnaby Jones is a television detective series starring Buddy Ebsen and Lee Meriwether as father- and daughter-in-law who run a private detective firm in Los Angeles. The show ran on CBS from January 28, 1973 to April 3, 1980, beginning as a midseason replacement. William Conrad guest starred as Frank Cannon of Cannon on the first episode of Barnaby Jones, "Requiem for a Son" and the two series had a two-part crossover episode in 1975, "The Deadly Conspiracy".
Designing WomenDesigning Women · 1986
Designing Women
6.81986
SeriesComedy
Julia Sugarbaker, Mary Jo Shively, Charlene Frazier-Stillfield and Suzanne Sugarbaker are associates at their design firm, Sugarbaker and Associates. Julia is the owner and is very outspoken and strong-willed. Mary Jo is a divorced single-parent whom is just as strong-willed as Julia, but isn't as self-confident. Charlene is the naive and trusting farm girl from Poplar Bluff, Missouri. Suzanne is the self-centered ex-beauty queen whom has a number of wealthy ex-husbands.
Static ShockStatic Shock · 2000
Static Shock
8.02000
SeriesAnimation
An ordinary inner-city kid gains extraordinary powers and becomes an urban legend as the first teenage African-American superhero.
Ned's Declassified School Survival GuideNed's Declassified School Survival Guide · 2004
Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide
8.52004
SeriesComedy
The whacky adventures of Ned Bigby and his best pals Moze and Cookie at James K. Polk Middle School, as "every-kid" Ned shatters the fourth wall to share tips and tricks on navigating middle school or junior high hurdles. Ned's not super cool, and he has no superpowers. He is, however, witty, well-groomed, upbeat and self-aware. Moreover, with more than a little help from his two best friends, he's equipped to conquer middle school minefields. From crushing bullies to crushes, from off- the-wall, mean and cool teachers to pop quizzes, elections and detentions, Ned knows that nothing, including the seventh grade, is as bad as it seems, and friendship matters most.
Celebrity Ghost StoriesCelebrity Ghost Stories · 2009
Celebrity Ghost Stories
7.32009
SeriesSci-Fi & Fantasy
Compelling, surprising and downright spooky — celebrities share their real-life personal encounters with the paranormal in each one-hour special. From encounters with ghosts and angry spirits to haunted homes, unexplainable spells and magic, these descriptive, first person narratives from our favorite stars delivers a brand new way of experiencing the thrills and chills of the addictive world of the paranormal.
The Bob Hope ShowThe Bob Hope Show · 1950
The Bob Hope Show
7.01950
SeriesComedyFamily
The Bob Hope Show hosted by Bob Hope, debuted on April 9, 1950. During the 1952-1953 season, NBC rotated with other variety shows in a Sunday night block known as "The Colgate Comedy Hour" (Sept. 1950 to Dec. 1955). Also known as, "The Chevy Show with Bob Hope." When the first special debuted in October of 1950 it was the most expensive television program made up to that point - costing an astronomical $1,500 a minute to produce. Bob Hope had his own television show and radio show at the same time. For the next three seasons, The Bob Hope Show was broadcast once a month on Tuesday nights, giving Milton Berle a week off. Bob ended his radio show in April, 1956. Bob Hope also had another show by a similar name, "The Bob Hope Show (All Star Revue)". In addition, he performed in "Specials" for many years. It is the longest running variety program in television's history with a record of 45 years of televised entertainment.
Punky BrewsterPunky Brewster · 1984
Punky Brewster
7.31984
SeriesComedy
An abandoned waif and her dog are taken in by a cranky apartment manager who becomes her guardian in this family-friendly sitcom.
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every ChildHappily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child · 1995
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child
6.31995
SeriesAnimation
Happily Ever After: Fairy Tales for Every Child is an American anthology animated television series.
All of UsAll of Us · 2003
All of Us
7.22003
SeriesComedyFamily
Robert James, an entertainment reporter for a local Los Angeles television station, is handsome, smart and thoroughly modern in his thinking. Recently divorced from the somewhat self-absorbed Neesee, the mother of their endearing 6-year-old son, Robert refuses to buy into the old stereotype that being divorced means you can't get along with the ex.