Designing Women Actor Meshach Taylor Dies at 67

Meshach Taylor, the actor best known for his role as Anthony Bouvier in Designing Women and Hollywood Montrose in the cult classic Mannequin passed away in his Los Angeles home late Saturday, reports People.

According to his agent Dede Binder, Taylor died from cancer and was in hospice care surrounded by his wife, children, and mother, when he died at 10:47 p.m. last night.

His family broke the news of his declining health on the Emmy-nominated actor's Facebook page on Friday and updated with news of his death shortly after he passed with a statement.

"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," they wrote.

"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. Love, the Taylor family."

In addition to his iconic role as Anthony Bouvier in Designing Women, for which he received an Emmy nod in 1989, Taylor starred in a number of other TV shows and films. His small screen credits include a costarring role for four seasons on Dave's World andguest star roles in Hannah Montana, The Drew CareyShow, and Criminal Minds.