Veteran Character Actor Bill Cobbs Passes Away at Age 90
Bill Cobbs, the veteran character actor known for his memorable roles in films like “Night at the Museum” and TV shows such as “The Sopranos,” has passed away at the age of 90. Cobbs died peacefully at his home in California on Tuesday, June 25, surrounded by family and friends. His brother, Thomas G. Cobbs, confirmed the news on Facebook, expressing the family’s sorrow and asking for prayers and encouragement during this difficult time.
Born Wilbert Francisco Cobbs on June 16, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, Cobbs had a diverse and storied career. Before entering the world of acting, he served eight years in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician. After his military service, he worked at IBM and as a car salesman. It wasn’t until his mid-30s that Cobbs decided to pursue his passion for acting, moving to New York to chase his dreams.
Cobbs began his acting career in theater, performing at Cleveland’s historic Karamu House, a black theater known for premiering works by Langston Hughes. His big break came in 1974 when he landed a small role in the crime thriller “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” This role marked the beginning of a prolific career that spanned over five decades and included nearly 200 film and television credits.
Throughout his career, Cobbs became known for his ability to imbue small but pivotal roles with a deep sense of wisdom and soulfulness. He appeared in a wide range of films, including “The Bodyguard,” “Air Bud,” “The Color of Money,” and “The Hudsucker Proxy.” In “Night at the Museum,” he played Reginald, one of three retiring security guards alongside Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney.
Cobbs also had a significant presence on television, with roles in popular shows like “The Sopranos,” “The West Wing,” “Sesame Street,” and “Good Times.” He played a variety of characters, from Whitney Houston’s manager in “The Bodyguard” to the mystical clock man in the Coen brothers’ “The Hudsucker Proxy.” His versatility and talent made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.
In 2020, Cobbs won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for his role as Mr. Hendrickson in the Canadian television series “Dino Dana.” This accolade came late in his career, highlighting his enduring talent and dedication to his craft.
Cobbs’ impact on the industry extended beyond his performances. He was remembered by his colleagues as a mentor and father figure. Wendell Pierce, who worked with Cobbs on “I’ll Fly Away” and “The Gregory Hines Show,” described him as “a father figure, a griot, an iconic artist” who influenced him through his life and work.
Cobbs’ journey into acting was serendipitous. After a customer at the car dealership where he worked suggested he try acting, Cobbs took to the stage in 1969. He later moved to New York, where he joined the Negro Ensemble Company, performing alongside legends like Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee. Acting resonated with Cobbs as a way to express the human condition, particularly during the Civil Rights Movement of 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’ career was marked by a series of memorable roles that left a lasting impression on audiences. In “The Sopranos,” he played an elderly reverend whose son had an under-the-table arrangement with an Italian crime family. He also appeared in sitcoms like “Good Times,” “Baby…I’m Black!” and “Designing Women,” as well as dramas like “Six Feet Under,” “NYPD Blue,” and “Touched by an Angel.”
Despite his extensive filmography, Cobbs rarely received the major parts that stand out and win awards. Instead, he became a familiar and memorable everyman, leaving an indelible mark on audiences regardless of screen time. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to his roles made him a cherished figure in the entertainment industry.
Cobbs continued to work until the end of his life, with several projects still in post-production at the time of his passing. His IMDb page lists multiple upcoming releases, including the drama film “Broken Church” starring Eric Roberts.
Bill Cobbs’ legacy as a veteran character actor will be remembered for his contributions to film and television, his mentorship to fellow actors, and his ability to bring a sense of wisdom and soulfulness to every role he played. His passing marks the end of an era, but his work will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come.
Source: Daily Mail, Associated Press, Los Angeles Times
