'Designing Women' Star, Attucks Grad Meshach Taylor Dies At 67

Emmy-nominated actor and Crispus Attucks graduate Meshach Taylor died Saturday at his home in Los Angeles.

The 67-year old had been battling cancer, according to his agent Dede Binder.

Taylor got an Emmy nod for his portrayal of a lovable ex-convict surrounded by boisterous Southern belles on "Designing Women" from 1986 to 1993. Then he costarred for four seasons on "Dave's World."

Other series included "Buffalo Bill" and "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide."

His movie roles included a flamboyant window dresser in the 1987 comedy-romance "Mannequin." He also appeared in "Damien: The Omen Part II."

Taylor guested on TV series including "Criminal Minds," ''Hannah Montana" and "The Drew Carey Show."

Taylor graduated from Crispus Attucks High School in 1964. After college, he returned to Indianapolis to work in local radio and television.  He began his acting career as a member of Chicago's Goodman Theatre.