Bill Cobbs, a distinguished actor known for his roles in film and television, passed away peacefully at the age of 90 on Tuesday, June 25, at his home in Inland Empire, California. His death, attributed to natural causes, was confirmed by his publicist Chuck I. Jones and announced by his family on Facebook.
Born Wilbert Francisco Cobbs on June 16, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, Cobbs began his acting career with notable stage performances at Cleveland’s African American Performing Arts Center and Karamu House Theatre, as well as with the Negro Ensemble Company in New York City.
Cobbs made his feature film debut in 1974 with a small role in “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he built a reputation as a versatile character actor with appearances in “Good Times,” “Greased Lightning,” “Trading Places,” and “The Cotton Club,” among others. He garnered attention for his role as Walter in John Sayles’ indie hit “Brother From Another Planet.”
In the 1990s, Cobbs continued to thrive with roles in both television and film. He appeared in the blockbuster film “The Bodyguard” alongside Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in 1992, and portrayed Charles Evers in Rob Reiner’s “Ghosts of Mississippi” in 1996. His television credits during this period included recurring roles in “I’ll Fly Away” and “The Gregory Hines Show,” as well as guest appearances on numerous series such as “The Sopranos,” “ER,” and “The West Wing.”
Cobbs’ career extended into the 2000s and beyond, with notable roles in “Night at the Museum” (2006) and its sequel “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” (2014), where he played the beloved character Reginald. He also received acclaim for his work in “Oz The Great and Powerful” and his guest appearance in the finale of “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.” in 2020, for which he won a Daytime Emmy Award.
Throughout his career, Cobbs was admired for his kindness and generosity, both on and off screen. He leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.
