Bill Cobbs, cherished film icon, dies at 90 after career resurgence

Bill Cobbs, known for movies like "The Bodyguard," where he played Whitney Houston's bodyguard, and "Night at the Museum," where he portrayed Reginald, was a true legend of the film world. His career spanned many years until the final days of his life. The actor passed away at the age of 90.

His representative conveyed the news of Bill Cobbs' death during a conversation with "The Hollywood Reporter." The actor died in his home, and the cause of his death was natural causes related to age. Cobbs worked almost until the last days of his life. Despite his advanced age, in 2023, he was still acting in film productions. Just two years ago, he played Uncle Jim in the movie "Block Party." One of the last significant projects he participated in was the film "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb." He was 80 years old but did not give up working.

Bill Cobbs had a long and impressive career in the film industry. Born on June 16, 1934, his journey to acting was not immediate. He served in the United States Air Force for eight years, then worked for IBM and sold cars. In 1969, he acted in the theatre play Lost in the Stars, a critique of apartheid. It was then that he fell in love with acting. A year later, at 36, he moved to New York to pursue an acting career.

Cobbs joined the N***o Ensemble Company in New York, where artists like Ruby Dee and Adolph Caesar were also active.

Once I realized I could walk on the stage with people like that, I thought, 'Maybe I can be an actor' — he recalled in one of the interviews.

And indeed, he could. In the '70s, he acted in several films, and the next decade saw his film career flourish. In 1992, the movie "The Bodyguard" hit theatres, where he played an important role. He also appeared in productions like "Demolition Man," "Fatal Instinct," "Ghosts of Mississippi," "Night at the Museum," "The Muppets," "Oz the Great and Powerful," and "The Hitter."

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 — the veteran actor's family reported.