RIP Bill Cobbs

 

New York Post

By Lauren Samer

June 26, 2024

 

Veteran actor Bill Cobbs has died at age 90.

Cobbs passed away on Tuesday night at his home in Riverside, CA, of unannounced causes, according to TMZ.

His brother, pastor Thomas G. Cobbs, shared the news on Facebook on Wednesday.

“We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Cobbs,” he wrote.

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

“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.”

Cobbs had recently celebrated his milestone birthday on June 16.

A prolific character actor, Cobbs had a 50-year-career with nearly 200 credits to his name, including roles in “Air Bud,” “The Bodyguard” and “New Jack City.” In “Night At the Museum,” he played a security guard opposite Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney.

He wasn’t in his first movie until he was 40, finding success later in life.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, Cobbs served in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician for 8 years before his Hollywood career.

He began acting in Cleveland’s Karamu House, a historic black theater that hosted premieres of Langston Hughes’ plays.

He also worked as a car salesman before moving to New York at age 36 to try his luck — and ultimately succeed — as an actor. During that time, he supported himself by driving a cab, among other jobs.

He made his big screen debut in 1974 when he was 40, in “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.”

On the small screen, Cobbs had roles in a wide range of popular shows, including, “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “One Tree Hill,” “The Drew Carey Show,” “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D,” the Matthew Perry sitcom “Go On,” “The Gregory Hines Show,” and “The Sopranos.”

Cobbs won a Daytime Emmy at the age of 86 for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for the childrens’ show “Dino Dana.”

“We ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time,” his brother wrote on Facebook.

COBBS, Bill (Wilbert Francisco Cobbs)

Born: 6/17/1934, Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.A.

Died: 6/25/2024, Riverside, California, U.S.A.

 

Bill Cobbs’ western – actor:

Walker, Texas Ranger (TV) – 1997 (Gino Costa)