Bill Cobbs’ death: “Night at the Museum” actor dies at the age of 90

American actor Bill Cobbs, known for his roles in “Hudsucker” (1994), “The Bodyguard” (1992) and “Night at the Museum” (2006), died on June 25 at the age of 90.

Bill Cobbs’ spokesman Chuck I Jones said: “Mr. Cobbs died at his home in the Inland Empire region east of Los Angeles,” reported The Washington Post.

The experienced actor made his big screen debut in 1974 with a brief role in The Taking of Pelham 123. He then appeared in over 200 films and numerous television shows. His professional breakthrough came between the ages of 50 and 70. During this time, he was approached by filmmakers and television producers for small but crucial roles.

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Bill Cobbs is a Cleveland native who has appeared in television series such as The Sopranos, The West Wing, Sesame Street and Good Times. His notable performances were recognized in the film The Bodyguard, where he played Whitney Houston’s manager, and in Night at the Museum, where he played a security guard.

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Wendell Pierce, who played alongside Bill Cobbs in the series “I’ll Fly Away” and “The Gregory Hines Show” from 1991 to 1993, remembered the loss on the social media platform X. His post read: “Today, a few days after his 90th birthday, Bill Cobbs passed away. A father figure, a griot, an iconic artist who shaped me through his life as an actor.”

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He added, “He played my father twice: in I’ll Fly Away and The Gregory Hines Show. Each time he imparted wisdom and a word of encouragement.” Wendell Pierce also noted that Bill Cobbs told stories about his hometown of Cleveland, which he revered. He claimed that the actor came from a great tradition of black theater. He noted, “Bill Cobbs went to New York and worked at the Negro Ensemble Theater. His death reminds me of the talent pool that populated the black theater at that time.”