Bill Cobbs, star of The Bodyguard, Air Bud, and more, has died, his publicist confirmed to TMZ. According to a social media post shared by a relative, “Bill passed away peacefully at his home in California.” The actor was 90 years old.
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“A beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather and friend, Bill recently and happily celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by cherished loved ones,” reads the post from Thomas G. Cobbs. “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.”
Cobbs was born in Cleveland, Ohio, where he got his start as an amateur in local theater. After serving in the U.S. Air Force, he dabbled in stand-up comedy before turning to acting. He ultimately moved to New York and joined the Negro Ensemble Company, working alongside Ossie Davis, Ruby Dee, Adolph Caesar, and Moses Gunn, per The Hollywood Reporter. He went on to become a prolific character actor on the screen, garnering nearly 200 credits over his 50-year career, beginning with 1974’s The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three.
Cobbs appeared in a number of beloved classics both comedic and dramatic, including The Bodyguard, That Thing You Do!, New Jack City, Demolition Man, Night At The Museum, Air Bud, and many more. He also racked up numerous television credits as a guest and series regular on shows like The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, I’ll Fly Away, and Go On with the late Matthew Perry. He also did voiceover work, winning a Daytime Emmy in 2020 for the children’s series Dino Dana.
“Emmy winner, working actor and wonderful human being, Bill Cobbs transitioned to act on a higher stage June 25th after celebrating his 90th birthday June 16th RIP,” Abbott Elementary star Sheryl Lee Ralph posted on Twitter/X. In his own tribute, Angel veteran J. August Richards wrote, “#RestInPower to the incredible Mr. Bill Cobbs… A consummate professional, a warm and available presence, a comedian (!!!), a towering talent, a gentleman and a man of tremendous character. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with you in this lifetime, Mr. #BillCobbs.”