Bill Cobbs, the prolific and sage character actor beloved for his portrayals in ‘The Bodyguard’, ‘Night at the Museum’, and ‘Air Bud’, has died at the age of 90. Cobbs passed away on June 25 at his home in California due to natural causes. His death was confirmed by his publicist, Chuck I. Jones, and his brother, Thomas Cobbs. Cobbs’ family described him as a ‘beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather and friend’ and requested prayers and encouragement during this difficult time.Cobbs began his acting career later in life, making his mark on stage in the 1960s before transitioning to film and television. He accumulated nearly 200 credits throughout his career, which included memorable roles alongside notable actors such as Whitney Houston, Kevin Costner, and Tom Cruise. Cobbs was known for his versatility and range as an actor, often playing characters that brought a depth of wisdom and kindness to the screen. Despite rarely receiving major parts, Cobbs left a lasting impression on audiences and his colleagues, who remembered him as a ‘father figure, a griot, an iconic artist’.His work extended beyond acting, as Cobbs was also a director and a supportive mentor to emerging talent. His dedication to his craft earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for his performance in ‘Dino Dana’ at the age of 86. Cobbs’ legacy is celebrated not only for his extensive body of work but also for his character and the positive impact he had on those around him.
Key points
- Veteran actor Bill Cobbs has passed away at 90 years old in California.
- Cobbs’ career spanned five decades with nearly 200 film and TV credits.
- He won a Daytime Emmy Award for his role in the children’s show ‘Dino Dana’.
- Cobbs was remembered for his wisdom, soulfulness, and support of emerging talent.
