Bill Cobbs, the prolific character actor, has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. He passed away at the age of 90 on June 25, 2024, at his home in Riverside, California. Although the exact cause of death remains undisclosed, his family confirmed that he departed peacefully, surrounded by loved ones.
Cobbs graced both the big and small screens, accumulating nearly 200 film and TV credits. In the iconic film “The Bodyguard,” he portrayed Whitney Houston’s manager, Bill Devaney. His memorable roles extended to “Night at the Museum,” where he played the night guard Reginald alongside Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney. Cobbs reprised this role in the 2014 sequel, “Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb” .
Beyond Hollywood, Cobbs earned a Daytime Emmy for his portrayal of Mr. Hendrickson in Amazon Prime Video’s Canadian series, “Dino Dana,” in 2020. His journey into acting began later in life, after holding various positions in the U.S. Air Force, IBM, and even car sales. His debut came in the Negro Ensemble Company’s production of “Ride a Black Horse” .
As we bid farewell to this inspiring actor, we celebrate his legacy and the joy he brought to audiences worldwide. Bill Cobbs will be sorely missed, but his contributions to the arts will continue to resonate for generations to come.
Remembering Bill Cobbs, a beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather, and friend. May he rest in eternal peace with his Heavenly Father .