The actor’s family said they are “comforted knowing Bill has found peace and eternal rest”
We are saddened to hear about the passing of Bill Cobbs, a beloved actor known from hit movies like Night at the Museum and The Bodyguard. Bill left us at the age of 90.
According to a family member’s Facebook post, Cobbs passed away “peacefully at his home in California” on June 25. TMZ was the first to report this sad news.
“Bill was a wonderful partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather, and friend. He recently and joyfully celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by loved ones,” his family wrote.
“We find comfort in knowing that Bill has found peace and eternal rest with his Heavenly Father. We appreciate your prayers and encouragement during this time.”
Susan Zachary, Cobb’s long-time talent representative, shared in a statement, “He was a loyal and dear soul… an inspiration as an actor, director, and human being. Everyone who knew him will miss him immensely.”
Word of Cobbs’ passing quickly spread among fans and colleagues. Many appreciated his immense talent and the love he had for the craft, his fellow actors, and his family and friends. He was exceptionally generous with his time, energy, and support for emerging talent,” Zachary added. “He was a revered icon to many, and rightly so.”
Before becoming a renowned actor, Cobbs served as an Air Force radar technician for eight years. Born in Cleveland, Ohio, he moved to New York City at the age of 36 in 1970 to pursue his acting passion. His film debut was in the 1974 film, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.
Over his career, Cobbs became known for his roles in films such as 1997’s Air Bud, 1993’s Demolition Man, and 1991’s The People Under the Stairs. He starred alongside Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in 1992’s The Bodyguard, and he played Reginald in the Night at the Museum series with Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney, who himself passed away in 2014.
In 2020, Cobbs was honored with a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program for his portrayal of Mr. Hendrickson in the series Dino Dana.
