Bill Cobbs , the prolific and versatile actor known for performances in films such as The Brother From Another Planet , Night at the Museum , and The Bodyguard , has died. He was 90. A member of Cobbs’ family confirmed his death on Facebook , saying the actor died “peacefully” at his home in California on Tuesday, June 25.
“A beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather and friend, Bill recently and happily celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by cherished loved ones,” the statement read. “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.
” Cobbs came to acting in his thirties, after spending eight years in the Air Force, working for IBM, and even selling cars. As he told Cleveland.com in 2013, it was one of his car customers who got him to try acting when he asked if Cobbs wanted to be in a play.
He started appearing in productions at the Karamu House in his hometown of Cleveland, before eventually striking out for New York in 1970. Cobbs booked his first film role in 1974 — a small, one-line part as “Man on Platform” in the classic thriller, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. After that, he never really stopped working, with his IMDB page listing 195 credits for both film and TV.
Cobbs’ turns in films such as Christopher Leitch’s 1979 blaxploitation film The Hitter , and John Sayles’ 1984 sci-fi flick The Brother Fro.
