By Fiona Nanna, ForeMedia News

4 minutes read. Updated 6:00PM GMT Thurs, 27, 2024

Bill Cobbs, the esteemed American actor whose career spanned over 200 film and television credits, passed away at the age of 90 on Tuesday evening. His agent confirmed that Cobbs died peacefully surrounded by family at his home in California.

Cobbs, born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1934, rose to prominence with memorable roles in Hollywood classics such as ‘The Bodyguard’ (1992), where he portrayed Whitney Houston’s manager Bill Devaney, alongside Kevin Costner. He also endeared himself to audiences as Reggie, the wise security guard in ‘Night at the Museum’ (2006), starring Ben Stiller and the late Robin Williams.

According to his agent, Cobbs is believed to have passed away from natural causes, marking the end of a storied career that began after serving eight years in the US Air Force and a stint in car sales. His journey into acting was sparked by a chance encounter when a customer invited him to join a play, leading to his stage debut in 1969 and subsequent move to New York City to pursue acting full-time.

Throughout his career, Cobbs left an indelible mark on both television and cinema, appearing in notable series such as ‘The West Wing’, ‘The Sopranos’, and ‘Star Trek: Enterprise’, among others. His filmography includes a diverse range of roles in films like ‘Air Bud’, ‘Ghosts of Mississippi’, and ‘The Color of Money’.

In 2020, Cobbs was honored with a Daytime Emmy Award for his role in the Canadian children’s educational series ‘Dino Dana’. His passing has prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and fans alike, underscoring his impact on the entertainment industry.

Actor Wesley Snipes paid homage on social media, remembering Cobbs as a “King” whose legacy will endure. Sheryl Lee Ralph, co-star on ‘Abbott Elementary’, hailed him as a “wonderful human being and Emmy winner”. Wendell Pierce, known for ‘The Wire’, described Cobbs as a “father figure” and “iconic artist” who leaves behind a rich legacy in Black Theatre.

Bill Cobbs’ brother, Thomas G Cobbs, expressed gratitude for the outpouring of support, stating that the family finds solace in knowing he has found eternal peace. As tributes continue to pour in, the entertainment industry mourns the loss of a beloved actor whose contributions will resonate for generations to come.

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