‘Night at the Museum’ actor Bill Cobbs dies weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday with loved ones

‘Night at the Museum’ actor Bill Cobbs dies weeks after celebrating his 90th birthday with loved ones
Bill Cobbs began his cinematic journey with a brief role in 1974's 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three' (Amy Sussman/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND, OHIO: Daytime Emmy Award Winner who was born on June 16, 1943 died on June 25th, 2024, after celebrating his 90th birthday.

Bill Cobbs began his cinematic journey with a brief role in 1974's 'The Taking of Pelham One Two Three' and went on to build a prolific career with over 200 film and TV appearances. 

His notable performances include roles in 'Night at the Museum' and 'The Bodyguard.' Since his death, Cobbs' family and representatives have expressed their sentiments on social media.

Bill Cobbs' family's statement on his death

One of Cobbs' family members posted on Facebook that the actor died "peacefully at his home in California" on Tuesday, June 25, as per People

In their message, his family described him as a "beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather, and friend," noting that he had recently celebrated his 90th birthday joyfully surrounded by 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," the family wrote.

Susan Zachary, Cobbs' longtime talent representative, expressed in a statement, "He was loyal and dear … an inspiring actor, director and human. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him."

"Bill was a hugely talented actor and director. He loved his craft, other actors, his family and friends and was extremely generous with his time, energy and support of emerging talent," Zachary added. "He was a revered icon to many and deservedly so."



 

Bill Cobbs was an Air Force radar technician before stepping into Hollywood

Cobbs, the actor, spent eight years as an Air Force radar technician before making his mark in Hollywood. 

According to his IMDb biography, he relocated to New York City in 1970 at 36 to pursue an acting career. 

Cobbs gained recognition for roles in films such as 'Air Bud' (1997), 'Demolition Man' (1993), and 'The People Under the Stairs' (1991). 

He notably appeared alongside Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in 'The Bodyguard' (1992) and portrayed Reginald in the 'Night at the Museum' series alongside Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney. 

In 2020, Cobbs received a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in the daytime program 'Dino Dana,' where he played Mr Hendrickson.

Mickey Rooney, Jan Rooney and Bill Cobbs during
Bill Cobbs received a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in the daytime program 'Dino Dana' (Chris Polkc/FilmMagic)

Bill Cobbs' fans remember his ecstatic movies while mourning his death

Bill Cobbs and Dexter during
Bill Cobbs relocated to New York City in 1970 at 36 to pursue an acting career (Chris Polk/FilmMagic)

After the death of Bill Cobbs, internet users have been expressing their thoughts on Facebook. One user, struggling to accept the reality, remarked, "You lying, he's such a great actor."

A second user explained, "As a child I fell in love with him on Air Bud. Then I was ecstatic to see him in Night at the Museum. Every movie I saw him in, I was thrilled. So sad to see this but thankful we have his work to enjoy."

A third user prayed, "Eternal rest grant unto them O Lord and let the Perpetual Light shine upon him. May the Souls of the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in Peace 🙏 Peace and Solace to all the Family during this difficult time 🙏 So Sorry For Loss🙏"

A fourth user said, "He did such a good acting job in the bodyguard. I don't know any of his other movies, but I will look them up."

Another added, "How unfortunate . I've always been a fan of his work. May God receive you dearly on your return home and comfort your family, friends and fans."

This article contains remarks made on the internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.

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