Veteran Actor Bill Cobbs Passes Away at 90 Known for Roles in Bodyguard and Air Bud
Bill Cobbs, a revered veteran actor whose career spanned over five decades, has passed away at the age of 90. Known for his memorable roles in films such as “The Bodyguard,” “Air Bud,” and “Night at the Museum,” Cobbs died peacefully at his home in Riverside, California, on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. His family confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement shared on social media.
“Bill passed away peacefully at his home in California,” the family stated. “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. We ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time.”
Cobbs’ career was marked by nearly 200 roles in movies and television, making him a familiar face to audiences worldwide. He starred opposite Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in the 1992 hit “The Bodyguard,” and appeared with Paul Newman and Tom Cruise in Martin Scorsese’s 1986 film “The Color of Money.” His role as the veteran security guard Reginald in the 2006 fantasy comedy “Night at the Museum” further cemented his status as a beloved character actor.
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Cobbs served in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician for eight years before embarking on his acting career. He worked at IBM and sold cars before moving to New York at the age of 36 to pursue his passion for acting. His first professional acting role was in “Ride a Black Horse” at the Negro Ensemble Company, and he continued to star in small theater productions before landing his first television role on “Vegetable Soup,” a New York public television educational series.
Cobbs’ career took off from there, and he went on to appear in over 100 feature films and television shows. Some of his most notable films include the 1997 Disney film “Air Bud,” “Oz the Great and Powerful” in 2013, and “New Jack City.” On television, Cobbs appeared in a wide range of popular shows, including “The Michael Richards Show,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” “The Carmichael Show,” “The Sopranos,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “One Tree Hill,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “Six Feet Under.”
In addition to his acting career, Cobbs was also a director. He 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.”
Cobbs’ talent and dedication to his craft earned him numerous accolades throughout his career. He won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for his guest-starring role as Mr. Hendrickson in “Dino Dana: The Movie” at the age of 86.
Despite his success, Cobbs remained humble and generous with his time, energy, and support of emerging talent. In an obituary shared by his representative, Susan Zachary of The Zachary Co., Cobbs was described as a “hugely talented actor and director” who “loved his craft, other actors, his family, and friends.”
“He was a revered icon to many — and deservedly so,” the obituary read.
Cobbs’ passing has left a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy will live on through his extensive body of work and the countless lives he touched. His family, friends, and fans will remember him not only for his remarkable talent but also for his kindness, generosity, and unwavering support.
As the family mourns the loss of their beloved Bill Cobbs, they find solace in knowing that he has found peace and eternal rest. They have asked for prayers and encouragement during this difficult time.
Cobbs’ final acting roles were in the 2024 television shows “Diarra from Detroit” and “BMF,” showcasing his enduring passion for his craft even in his later years.
Bill Cobbs’ journey from a radar technician in the U.S. Air Force to a celebrated actor and director is a testament to his determination, talent, and love for the arts. His contributions to film and television will be remembered and cherished for generations to come.
Source: KABC Television, LLC; Good Morning America; AP
