Net Worth Ranker
What Is Meshach Taylor’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in June 2014, Meshach Taylor, a celebrated American actor, had a net worth of $500,000. This figure represents the culmination of a diverse career spanning film, television, and stage, with notable roles that cemented his place in entertainment history. His contributions to the arts extended beyond acting, encompassing roles as a television host and a presence on Broadway, each adding to his financial standing at the time of his death.
Sources of Meshach Taylor’s Net Worth
Meshach Taylor’s net worth of $500,000 was accumulated through various avenues in the entertainment industry. He earned money through acting roles in films such as “Mannequin” (1987) and “Class Act” (1992), as well as television series, including “Designing Women” (1986–1993), where he portrayed Anthony Bouvier. His recurring roles and guest appearances on television contributed significantly to his income. The success of “Designing Women,” in particular, led to consistent work and likely increased his earning potential during that period. Additionally, Taylor’s stage work, including his role as Lumiere in “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway in 1998, provided another income stream. He also earned income through hosting television shows, showcasing his versatility and appeal to a broader audience.
Further contributing to Meshach Taylor’s net worth were his earlier roles and career milestones. He received a Joseph Jefferson Award in 1977 for his performance in “Sizwe Banzi Is Dead,” which brought recognition and likely led to more opportunities. His early work in Chicago theater and television, including hosting “Black Life” and winning an Emmy for “Huckleberry Finn” on WTTW, laid the foundation for his later success in Los Angeles. These accolades not only boosted his reputation but also increased his market value as an actor.
Details of Meshach Taylor’s Career and Earnings
Meshach Taylor’s career was marked by a variety of roles that contributed to his financial status. His most notable role as Anthony Bouvier on “Designing Women,” which aired for seven seasons, provided a steady income and residuals. He appeared in 163 episodes, earning a salary for each, which collectively added a substantial amount to his net worth. Guest appearances on shows like “Lou Grant” (1979–1981), “Hill Street Blues” (1982; 1986), and “Criminal Minds” (2012; 2014) also generated income, although the exact amounts per episode are not publicly available. His role as Shel Baylor on “Dave’s World” (1993–1997) further solidified his presence in television and contributed to his earnings.
In addition to his television work, Meshach Taylor’s film roles provided income and exposure. His appearances in “Damien: Omen II” (1978), “The Howling” (1981), “Mannequin” (1987), and “Friends and Family” (2001) added to his earnings, although the specific amounts he received for each role are not disclosed. These roles, however, increased his visibility and marketability in the industry, potentially leading to higher-paying opportunities in the future. His stage career, highlighted by his role in “Beauty and the Beast” on Broadway in 1998, also contributed to his income, with Broadway roles typically offering competitive salaries.
Additional Ventures and Personal Life
Meshach Taylor’s personal life and earlier ventures also provide context to his financial journey. Before fully committing to acting, Taylor worked as a State House reporter for the Indianapolis AM radio station WIFE, using the on-air name Bruce Thomas. While this job was likely not a significant source of wealth, it provided early income and valuable experience in media. His education, culminating in a theatre arts degree from Florida A&M in 1993, equipped him with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the entertainment industry. These factors, combined with his dedication and talent, contributed to his ability to build a career and accumulate his net worth.
Meshach Taylor was married twice; first to Sandra in 1969, with whom he had a son, Tariq, before divorcing in 1980. He later married actress Bianca Ferguson in 1983, and they remained together until his death in 2014. Meshach and Bianca had three daughters: Esme, Tamar, and Yasmine. While the details of any financial arrangements within these relationships are not public, family life undoubtedly influenced his financial planning and priorities. His commitment to his family likely played a role in the decisions he made regarding his career and financial investments.
