Bill Cobbs, Night at the Museum, The Bodyguard and Air Bud actor, dies aged 90

Bill Cobbs, a seasoned actor who appeared in nearly 200 projects during his fifty-year career, including memorable roles in The Bodyguard and Night at the Museum, has passed away at the age of 90.

He passed away in a calm manner on Tuesday evening at his residence in Riverside, California, as confirmed by his brother, Thomas G. Cobbs. His spokesperson, Chuck I Jones, informed the Associated Press that the probable reason for his death was natural causes.

Cobb's brother fondly recalled him as a cherished companion, older sibling, uncle, stand-in parent, godfather, and confidant.

Bill joyfully marked his 90th birthday in the company of beloved family and friends. As a family, we take comfort in the knowledge that Bill is now at peace and resting eternally with God. We kindly request your prayers and support as we navigate this period of mourning.

Originally from Cleveland, Cobbs starred in movies such as The Hudsucker Proxy by the Coen brothers, where he played Whitney Houston's manager in The Bodyguard. He also appeared in Martin Scorsese's sports drama The Color of Money in 1986, Demolition Man, Air Bud as the coach, and Night at the Museum as a security guard. Cobbs made his debut on the big screen with a small role in 1974's The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.

In a 2013 interview, Cobbs recalled how all of their friends and neighbors gathered to watch the movie and eagerly anticipated their appearance. Cobbs spoke about approaching a police officer in the subway and casually asking, "What's happening, man?"

He had a long career as an actor, appearing in around 200 movies and TV shows. Most of his work came in his 50s, 60s, and 70s, when directors and producers consistently chose him to bring depth and emotion to minor yet important roles.

In the year 2020, he received a Daytime Emmy Award for portraying Mr. Hendrickson on the educational Canadian children's program, Dino Dana.

Cobbs made appearances on various TV programs such as The Sopranos, The West Wing, The Equalizer, Six Feet Under, Sesame Street, and Good Times.

Cobbs didn't often get leading roles that grab attention and receive awards. However, he was a recognizable and unforgettable character who made an impact on viewers, no matter how much time he spent on screen. In 2020, he received a Daytime Emmy award for his exceptional performance in the series Dino Dana.

In a recent tweet, Wendell Pierce, who appeared in shows like I’ll Fly Away and The Gregory Hines Show with Cobbs, paid tribute to him as a mentor and a legendary artist who inspired him through his acting career.

Wilbert Francisco Cobbs, born on June 16, 1934, spent eight years in the US air force after finishing high school in Cleveland. Following his military service, Cobbs worked in car sales. One day, a customer approached him about participating in a play. Cobbs made his stage debut in 1969 and went on to perform in Cleveland theater before relocating to New York City. There, he became a member of the Negro Ensemble Company, sharing the stage with Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee.

Cobbs explained that he found a connection to acting as a way to showcase the experiences of humanity, especially during the civil rights era of the late 1960s.

Being an artist requires having a sense of generosity," Cobbs stated in a 2004 conversation. "Creating art is like a form of spiritual practice, right? We are inspired by our surroundings, emotions, and the way things impact us on a mental and spiritual level."

The information in this report was provided by the Associated Press.