Iconic character actor Bill Cobbs dead at 90-Brooke Ivey Johnson-Entertainment – Metro

Bill Cobbs has died at 90 years old (Picture: Getty Images)

Beloved actor Bill Cobbs has died at the age of 90.

The character actor, who starred in more than 200 films and TV shows throughout his career, passed away at his home in California.

Cobbs is known for films like 1997’s Air Bud, 1993’s Demolition Man and 1991’s The People Under the Stairs, 2006’s Night at the Museum and for guest spots on The Sopranos and Walker Texas Ranger.

Perhaps most memorably, he starred opposite Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in 1992’s The Bodyguard.

In 2020, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for the series Dino Dana.

Cobbs was one of the most prolific character actors of his generation, getting his start in the 1970s with a role in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.

The actor starred in over 200 films and TV shows (Picture: Leon Bennett/WireImage)

From there, he went on to become a Hollywood fixture in his five decade career.

Cobbs grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and was a radar technician for eight years in the US Air Force before moving to New York to become an actor.

Many fans have taken to X to express their grief about the actor’s death.

@DamonGupton wrote: ‘Rest In Peace Mr. Bill Cobbs. I absolutely loved this actor. Such great ease. Never got enough flowers.🙏🏽🙌🏾💔’

@bwsaari posted: ‘RIP to legendary character actor Bill Cobbs – a warm and welcome face in every one of his countless performances!’

Cobbs was also known for his role in Night at the Museum (Picture: Chris Polk/FilmMagic for Fox Home Entertainment)

@OfficialSampson wrote: ‘Mr. Bill Cobbs was an extraordinary talent, an absolute legend and a gentleman. He leaves an indelible mark on TV, film and stage. May he rest in eternal power. 🙏🏾’

@Honors_Zombie agreed, writing: ‘what a performer. What a legendary performer. American movies will not be the same without the promise that Bill Cobbs might show up, voice like a bass saxophone, and imbue a movie with that magic for however long he’s on screen.’

Thomas Cobbs, Bill’s brother, who is also a pastor, confirmed the sad news on Facebook: ‘On Tuesday, June 25, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in California.

Cobbs has been in a variety of iconic films, including The Color of Money with Paul Newman (Picture: Getty Images)

‘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.’

Cobb’s cause of death remains unknown.

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