Bill Cobbs, the esteemed Daytime Emmy-winning actor known for his expansive career in film and television, has passed away at the age of 90.
Cobbs, who starred in the 1992 hit film “The Bodyguard” and the popular “Night at the Museum” franchise, died on Tuesday. The cause of death was not immediately known.
Susan Zachary, Cobbs’ longtime manager, confirmed the news to USA TODAY. “He was one of my first clients in each incarnation of this leg of my professional career and I am honored and proud to be his last talent representative,” Zachary said in a statement. “He was loyal and dear… an inspiring actor, director, and human. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him.”
In a statement released by his family on Wednesday, they expressed their deep sorrow. “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.”
The family added, “As a family, we are comforted knowing Bill has found peace and eternal rest with his Heavenly Father. We ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time.”
Cobbs’ illustrious career spanned nearly 50 years, during which he amassed nearly 200 film and TV credits, according to IMDB. In “The Bodyguard,” Whitney Houston’s debut film, Cobbs portrayed Bill Devaney, Houston’s character’s manager, alongside Kevin Costner. In the “Night at the Museum” series, he played the role of Reginald, a night guard who, along with characters played by Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney, turned into one of the film’s antagonists. He reprised this role in the 2014 sequel “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.”
His versatility as an actor was further showcased in Disney’s “Air Bud” (1997), where he played basketball coach Arthur Chaney, and in “Oz the Great and Powerful” (2013). Cobbs received a Daytime Emmy in 2020 for his role as Mr. Hendrickson in Amazon Prime Video’s Canadian series “Dino Dana.” He also had memorable TV roles, including Rev. James, Sr. in “The Sopranos” (2000), The Dutchman in “The Slap Maxwell Story” (1987-1988), and appearances on “ER” (1996) and “The West Wing” (2002).
Cobbs was born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1934. Before his acting career, he served in the U.S. Air Force and worked at IBM and as a car salesman. He discovered his passion for acting at the age of 36, starting in local theater and making his debut in the Negro Ensemble Company’s “Ride a Black Horse” production. His first TV role was in the educational series “Vegetable Soup,” followed by his big-screen debut in the 1974 thriller “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.”
Bill Cobbs’ legacy is marked by his dedication to his craft, his impactful performances, and the indelible mark he left on the entertainment industry. His absence will be deeply felt by his fans, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
