Michael Taliferro (August 23, 1961 – May 4, 2006) was an American film and television actor and sportsman. He is best known for Life (1999), and The Replacements (2000), and made guest appearances on The Jamie Foxx Show, Martin, and The Parkers.

Career

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.

Personal life

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

Filmography

Film

Television