Celebrity

‘The Bodyguard’ star and ‘wonderful human being’ Bill Cobbs dies, age 90

Matthew Hart
Jun 27, 2024
As news of his passing broke, fans and colleagues wasted no time paying tribute to the beloved actor while honouring his incredible legacy in the entertainment industry. Source: Jonathan Gibby/FilmMagic/GettyImages.

Fans and colleagues have paid tribute to the life and career of veteran actor Bill Cobbs after the Night at the Museum and The Bodyguard star sadly passed away at the age of 90.

Cobbs’ family took to social media to announce his passing, revealing that he died “peacefully at his home in California” shortly after celebrating his 90th birthday with his loved ones.

“We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Cobbs,” the family began.

“On Tuesday, June 25, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in California. 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.”

Born on June 16, 1934, Cobbs enjoyed a varied career before making his mark in the entertainment industry.

He served in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician for eight years, worked in office products at IBM, and sold cars. In 1970, at the age of 36, he left for New York to seek work as an actor and pursue his dreams.

Cobbs began work as an actor with the African American Performing Arts Center and Karamu House Theatre in Cleveland. His first professional acting role was in Ride a Black Horse before going on to appear in a number of small theatre productions.

Cobbs made his feature film debut in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three in 1974.

Following his screen debut, Cobbs went on to make notable appearances in films such as The Bodyguard opposite Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner, Night at the Museum alongside Ben Stiller, The Hudsucker Proxy, and That Thing You Do!

In addition to his success on the silver screen, he had guest appearances on television shows such as Walker, Texas Ranger, a small role on the HBO hit series The Sopranos in addition to appearances on The West Wing, Sesame Street, and Good Times.

Cobbs won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2020 for his appearance in the Canadian children’s show Dino Dana.

As news of his passing broke, fans and colleagues wasted no time paying tribute to the beloved actor while honouring his incredible legacy in the entertainment industry.

-with Reuters and AP.

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