Legendary Character Actor Bill Cobbs Dead at 90

(DailyDig.com) – Bill Cobbs, an actor who had a career span of over 50 years with nearly 200 TV and movie credits, died on June 25 at 90 years old.

Cobbs’ brother, Thomas, announced his death on June 26 in a post on his social media site. He wrote that his brother died peacefully at his California home. He was sorrowful to share the news, as he was a well-loved brother, uncle, friend, and godfather.

Thomas also said that Cobbs recently enjoyed his 90th birthday celebration, surrounded by his loved ones. The family is pleased to know that he is now with his God, eternally at rest, and thanked his fans and friends for their prayers.

Cobbs was born in Ohio and started his acting career at the Karamu House, his hometown’s historic theater. He soon moved to New York, where he performed on stage prior to taking a small role in the 1974 movie “The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three,” which became his onscreen debut.

Over the next 50 years, Cobbs appeared on television and in movies. His films included roles in Whitney Houston’s “The Bodyguard,” “The Hitter,” “Trading Places,” “Silkwood,” “The People Under the Stairs” from 1991, “Demolition Man” from 1993, 1996’s “That Thing You Do,” “Night At The Museum” as an old security guard, Reginald, and 2013’s “Oz The Great And Powerful” as Master Tinker.

Cobb’s television appearances were as varied as his talent, in sitcoms like “Good Times,” “My Wife and Kids,” “Designing Women,” “The Drew Carey Show,” and “Baby…I’m Black!” He also played a variety of guest roles in dramas such as “NYPD Blue,” “The Sopranos,” “The West Wing,” “One Tree Hill,” and “Walker, Texas Ranger.”

Cobbs also has a string of children’s shows on television and movies, including “Sesame Street,” “The Muppets,” “Air Bud,” and “Dino Dana,” where he received his Daytime Emmy Award in 2020.

He continued to work until his death, as he had several roles in upcoming movies still in production, as listed on his IMDb page.