The veteran actor, known for his unforgettable roles in 'The Bodyguard', 'Night at the Museum' and other beloved films and television shows, has sadly passed away at the age of 90.
- Jun 27, 2024
AceShowbiz - Bill Cobbs, an illustrious character actor celebrated for his roles in "The Bodyguard", "Air Bud" and "Night at the Museum", has died at the age of 90. Cobbs' death was confirmed on social media by his brother Thomas G. Cobbs who wrote, "We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Cobbs. On Tuesday, June 25, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in California. A beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather and friend, Bill recently and happily celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by cherished loved ones."
Born June 16, 1934, in Cleveland, Cobbs served eight years in the U.S. Air Force before moving to New York City at age 36 to pursue his passion for acting. His journey began at the Karamu House Theatre in Cleveland and later blossomed in New York where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, landing his first professional role in "Ride a Black Horse".
His big-screen debut came in the 1974 thriller "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three". Throughout his career, Cobbs appeared in almost 200 film and television projects, gaining recognition for his supporting roles that always carried a resonant depth. Perhaps most famously, Cobbs played Bill Devaney in "The Bodyguard" alongside Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, and later enchanted younger audiences as Arthur Chaney in the Disney classic "Air Bud".
Among his notable television credits, Cobbs had a memorable appearance in "The Sopranos" as Reverend James Sr., featured in "Go On" with Matthew Perry, and made guest appearances on "The West Wing", "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" and "Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior".
In addition to being a beloved and prolific actor, Cobbs was recognized for his contributions with several accolades. In 2020, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for his role as Mr. Hendrickson on "Dino Dana".
Bill Cobbs' passing was met with an outpouring of tributes from his peers. Wendell Pierce, who acted alongside Cobbs on "I'll Fly Away" and "The Gregory Hines Show", honored him on social media, calling him "a father figure, a griot, an iconic artist." Tony Award-winning producer Wendell Pierce shared, "Nothing Counts So Much As Family. RIP Bill Cobbs."
Cobbs once remarked on the significance of acting during a 2004 interview, saying, "To be an artist, you have to have a sense of giving. Art is somewhat of a prayer, isn’t it? We respond to what we see around us and what we feel and how things affect us mentally and spiritually." Truly, Cobbs' contributions to the arts were a form of prayer-one that resonated deeply with audiences across generations. His legacy as a steadfast, soulful presence in Hollywood will not be forgotten.
