Bill Cobbs, the prolific and versatile veteran character actor, has passed away at the age of 90. Cobbs died peacefully at his home in the Inland Empire, California, surrounded by family and friends, according to his publicist, Chuck I. Jones. The likely cause of death was natural causes.
Born Wilbert Francisco Cobbs on June 16, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, Cobbs had a career that spanned over five decades, with nearly 200 film and television credits to his name. He was known for his sage and soulful presence on screen, often portraying wise and endearing characters that left a lasting impression on audiences.
Cobbs’ journey to acting was unconventional. After graduating high school, he served eight years in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician. Following his military service, he worked for IBM and sold cars. It was a chance encounter with a customer who asked if he wanted to act in a play that led Cobbs to the stage. He began acting in Cleveland theater in 1969 and later moved to New York, where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, performing alongside notable actors such as Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.
Cobbs made his film debut in 1974 with a small role in the crime drama “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” Despite starting his film career later in life, he quickly became a reliable character actor, known for his ability to imbue small but pivotal roles with depth and authenticity. His film credits include memorable performances in “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Bodyguard,” “Night at the Museum,” “Air Bud,” and “Sunshine State.”
In “The Bodyguard” (1992), Cobbs played the manager of Whitney Houston’s character, Rachel Marron. In the Coen brothers’ “The Hudsucker Proxy” (1994), he portrayed the mystical clock man, Moses. He also played the coach in “Air Bud” (1997) and the security guard in “Night at the Museum” (2006), roles that endeared him to audiences of all ages.
Cobbs’ television work was equally extensive. He appeared in popular shows such as “The Sopranos,” “The West Wing,” “Sesame Street,” “Good Times,” “I’ll Fly Away,” “The Gregory Hines Show,” and “Go On.” In 2020, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for his role in the children’s series “Dino Dana.”
Wendell Pierce, who worked with Cobbs on “I’ll Fly Away” and “The Gregory Hines Show,” remembered him as a father figure and an iconic artist. “He was a griot, a storyteller who led his life as an actor with grace and wisdom,” Pierce wrote on social media.
Cobbs’ impact on the acting community and his audiences was profound. He often spoke about the importance of art as a means of expressing the human condition, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement in the late 1960s. “To be an artist, you have to have a sense of giving,” Cobbs said in a 2004 interview. “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.”
Cobbs’ dedication to his craft and his ability to bring authenticity to every role he played made him a beloved figure in Hollywood. His performances were marked by a quiet strength and a deep understanding of the characters he portrayed, making him a memorable presence on both the big and small screens.
In addition to his acting career, Cobbs was known for his kindness and generosity. His family described him as a beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather, and friend. “As a family, we are comforted knowing Bill has found peace and eternal rest with his Heavenly Father,” his brother, Thomas Cobbs, wrote in a statement. “We ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time.”
Cobbs’ legacy will live on through his extensive body of work and the countless lives he touched through his performances. He leaves behind a rich tapestry of characters that will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
Bill Cobbs’ passing marks the end of an era for a beloved character actor who brought wisdom, warmth, and authenticity to every role he played. His contributions to film and television will be remembered and cherished by fans and colleagues alike.
Source: Associated Press, Cleveland.com, TMZ
