'Designing Women' Actor Meshach Taylor Dies at 67 After Battle With Cancer (VIDEO)

Emmy-nominated actor Meshach Taylor has died of cancer at age 67.

According to The Hollywood Reporter, Taylor, who is famous for his role as Anthony Bouvier on the 1980s hit sitcom "Designing Women", died of cancer on Saturday at his family's home in Altadena, California. Dede Binder, the actor's agent, confirmed the news.

In a statement, Binder said that Taylor "passed away after bravely fighting a terminal illness. His loving family was by his side," and added, "when you think of Meshach, it will hopefully bring a smile to your face because he brought a lot of joy in his life."

The Taylor family posted a message on Facebook Friday which read, "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 continued: "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."

Taylor was reportedly with his wife, four children - Tariq, Yasmine, Tamar and Esme - grandchildren, and his mother at the time of his passing.

"He was surrounded by his family at his home in Altadena, California," a rep told E! News. "Meshach valiantly fought colon rectal cancer for 18 months that recently spread to his liver. Meshach is survived by his wife of 30 years, Bianca, 4 children, 4 grandchildren and his mother, who just turned 100 years old, as well as his sister and brother. There will be a Memorial Service this Saturday, July 5, at Forest Lawn [Memorial Park in Glendale]. His family wanted to convey that this will be a celebration of his amazing life."

Taylor played an ex-convict surrounded by four Southern belles on the sitcom "Designing Women," which aired between 1987 and 1993. He was nominated for an Emmy for outstanding supporting actor in a comedy in 1989.

"I miss that character," he said in a 2001 interview, according to THR. "I miss the situations he got himself into. I miss his vulnerability. That's what's so nice about playing that character - he really did care for these people so much he was very vulnerable because of his feelings, especially Suzanne (Burke) and the situations she would always involve him in."

The actor later landed the role of local plastic surgeon Sheldon Baylot in the CBS sitcom, "Dave's World". He co-starred in other series, including "Buffalo Bill" and the popular Nickelodeon comedy "Ned's Declassified School Survival Guide."

Taylor appeared in the 1978 horror film "Damien: The Omen Part II". In 1987, he played flamboyant window dresser Hollywood Montrose in the film "Mannequin" and its 1991 sequel. He has guest starred on a number of TV series, including "Criminal Minds", "Hannah Montana" and "The Drew Carey Show".