Michael Taliferro

• Name — Michael Taliferro • Born — August 23, 1961 • Birthplace — Fort Worth, Texas, U.S. • Place of death — Los Angeles, California, U.S. • Occupation — Actor • Partner — Cathey L. Tyree • Years Active — 1982–2006 • Children — 5

Known for his intimidating stature, Taliferro was signed by the Washington Redskins in 1984, followed by two seasons in the USFL with the Denver Gold in 1985 and the Arizona Outlaws in 1986, finishing his athletic career with the British Columbia Lions in the Canadian Football League the following year. Soon after, Taliferro moved to California and began his acting career. He was discovered by film director Tony Scott, who offered him a bit part in The Last Boy Scout. His first credited film appearance was in the 1993 film Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit, where he played the role of a security guard. He also made appearances in the films Bad Boys, Life, Half Past Dead, Ride or Die, You Got Served and Blue Hill Avenue. In 2003, Taliferro completed filming A Day in the Life. He also directed and produced Steppin: The Movie, which was completed in 2007.

Taliferro was born in Fort Worth, Texas, and had a brother, James and two sisters, Olga and Cheryl. Taliferro was a Christian and went to a Christian school. He attended Texas Christian University. He never married but was engaged to Cathey L. Tyree and had five children.

Taliferro died of a stroke on May 4, 2006, in Los Angeles, California, at the age of 44. He was interred at Spring Hill Cemetery in Brooksville, Florida.

• Year — Title — Role — Notes • 1994 — Witch Hunt — Zombie — TV movie Credited as Michael "Bear" Taliferro • 1996 — The Drew Carey Show — Delivery Man #1 — Episode: "Something Wick This Way Comes" • The Jamie Foxx Show — Wide Clyde — 3 episodes • 1997 — Martin — Hammer — 2 episodes • 2000 — Arli$$ — Otis — Episode: "I Get Involved" • 2002 — The Parkers — Kyle — Episode: "The Dates from Hell"