Actor Bill Cobbs, known for his roles in “Night at the Museum,” “The Bodyguard,” “Air Bud” and more, has died, a rep for Cobbs confirmed to “Good Morning America.” He was 90.
“We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Cobbs,” his family said in a statement shared by his rep. “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.”
“As a family, we are comforted knowing Bill has found peace and eternal rest with his Heavenly Father,” the statement from his family continued. “We ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time.”
In this Jan. 13, 2013, file photo, actor Bill Cobbs arrives at the NBC Universal’s 70th annual Golden Globe Awards after party in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Allen Berezovsky/Getty Images, FILE
In an obituary shared by his rep, Susan Zachary of The Zachary Co., Cobbs is described as a “hugely talented actor and director.”
“He loved his craft, other actors, his family and friends and was extremely generous with his time, energy and support of emerging talent,” the obituary from The Zachary Co. read. “He was a revered icon to many — and deservedly so.”
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Cobbs got his start in acting when he was 36. Prior to acting, he served in the U.S. Air Force, worked at IBM and sold cars, according to the obituary.
His first professional acting role was in “Ride a Black Horse” at the Negro Ensemble Company. He continued to star in small theater productions before landing his first television role on “Vegetable Soup,” a New York public television educational series.
From then on, Cobbs’ career as an actor soared as he landed many roles across television and film. His resume would go on to include over 100 feature films and television shows.
Of his many roles, perhaps some of his most notable films were “The Bodyguard” in 1992, in which he portrayed Devaney and acted alongside Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, the 1997 Disney film “Air Bud,” “Night at the Museum” in 2006 and “Oz the Great and Powerful” in 2013.
PHOTO: In this July 27, 2020, file photo, actor Bill Cobbs arrives at a premiere in Beverly Hills, Calif.
Robyn Beck/AFP via Getty Images, FILE
He also has several series credits across television, including “The Michael Richards Show,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “The Carmichael Show” and “The Sopranos.”
His guest starring role as Mr. Hendrickson in “Dino Dana: The Movie” earned Cobbs a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program.
As a director, Cobbs directed “The Meeting,” a story about Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
Actor, writer and director Bechir Sylvain, who worked with Cobbs on the project, said in a statement, “He was more than a mentor to me, more than a teacher, more than a friend. He became a second father, guiding me through life’s intricacies.”
Some of Cobbs’ last acting roles were the 2024 television shows “Diarra from Detroit” and “BMF.”
Veteran actor Bill Cobbs, best known for his memorable roles in films such as ‘The Bodyguard’ and ‘Night at the Museum’, has passed away at the age of 90. Cobbs, whose career spanned over five decades, was a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, known for his talent, versatility, and warm personality.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1934, Cobbs began his acting career in the 1970s, appearing in various television shows and films. He quickly gained recognition for his powerful performances and distinctive voice, which made him a standout presence on screen.
In ‘The Bodyguard’, Cobbs played the role of Devaney, the loyal and wise chauffeur to Whitney Houston’s character. His performance was praised for bringing depth and authenticity to the character, adding an emotional resonance to the film.
Cobbs also starred in the popular family comedy ‘Night at the Museum’, where he played the role of Reginald, a security guard at the museum. His comedic timing and charm endeared him to audiences of all ages, making him a fan favorite in the film series.
Throughout his career, Cobbs appeared in a wide range of films and television shows, showcasing his versatility as an actor. From dramas to comedies, he was able to bring nuance and depth to every role he took on, earning him critical acclaim and a loyal following of fans.
In addition to his work on screen, Cobbs was also known for his dedication to his craft and his commitment to mentoring young actors. He was a respected figure in the industry, admired for his professionalism and kindness towards his colleagues.
As news of Cobbs’ passing spreads, tributes pour in from fans and fellow actors, who remember him as a talented performer and a true gentleman. His legacy lives on through his body of work, which continues to inspire and entertain audiences around the world.
Bill Cobbs will be remembered not only for his impressive acting career but also for his warmth, generosity, and passion for his craft. He leaves behind a lasting impact on the entertainment industry and will be dearly missed by all who knew him.
