Michael Taliferro (August 23, 1961 – May 4, 2006) was an American actor. 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 five children.
Death 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.
Filmography Film Year Title Role Notes 1993 Sister Act 2: Back in the Habit Security Guard Credited as Michael "Bear" Taliferro 1995 Bad Boys Black Carjacker 1996 A Thin Line Between Love and Hate Club Security #1 Misfit Patrol Bear & Cub Band 1998 Armageddon Roughneck #2 Credited as Michael "Bear" Taliferro 1999 Life Goldmouth Credited as Michael "Bear" Taliferro 2000 The Replacements André Jackson Credited as Michael "Bear" Taliferro 2001 Blue Hill Avenue Simon Credited as Michael "Bear" Taliferro 2002 Half Past Dead Little Joe Credited as Michael "Bear" Taliferro 2003 Rude Boy: The Jamaican Don Biggs Ride or Die B Free 2004 You Got Served Emerald Credited as Michael "Bear" Taliferro 2009 A Day in the Life Brian Smith (final film role)
Television 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"
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