In 1985, producers Tom Miller and Bob Boyett were casting the husband role for Valerie Harper on her new NBC series "Close to Home", which was retitled "Valerie" before its premiere. Harper's on-screen husband, Michael Hogan, was an airline pilot who was seldom around. Taylor was called in for the part, among many other actors who were willing to settle for part-time status on the show, and earned the role. "Valerie" premiered in March 1986 to moderate ratings but critical success, and as the series was picked up for a second season, Taylor successfully balanced his work on the sitcom with his long-running role on "Days".