Tributes are pouring in for veteran actor Bill Cobbs, who passed away on Tuesday at the age of 90. Cobbs, known for his roles in “Night At The Museum” and “The Sopranos,” had a distinguished career that spanned over five decades. He won a Daytime Emmy Award at 86 for his performance in the Canadian television series “Dino Dana,” where he played the elderly neighbor of the title character.
Cobbs began his acting journey in his mid-30s after leaving a career as a car salesman. He moved to New York and pursued his passion for acting, starting in the theater before transitioning to film. His breakthrough came at 40 with the crime thriller “The Taking Of Pelham One Two Three.”
Cobbs passed away at his home in California. His brother, Thomas, announced the news on Facebook, sharing that Bill had recently celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by loved ones. “We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Cobbs. On Tuesday, June 25, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in California,” read the post. “A beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather, and friend, Bill recently and happily celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by cherished loved ones.”
Leading the tributes is actor Wendell Pierce, who took to X (formerly Twitter) to honor Cobbs. “Days after his 90th Birthday, Bill Cobbs died today. A father figure, a griot, an iconic artist, that mentored me by the way he led his life as an actor. He played my father twice: in I’ll Fly Away & The Gregory Hines Show. Each time imparting wisdom with a word of encouragement,” Pierce wrote. He also expressed gratitude for Cobbs’ contributions to the arts and committed to honoring his legacy through his own work.
American actress Penny Johnson Jerald, known for her roles in “The Larry Sanders Show,” “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” and “The Orville,” also paid tribute to Cobbs. “What a guy! What a #soul! What a #talent! What a #thespian What a #legend! So many beautiful, laugh out loud moments with the great #billcobbs RIP,” she wrote.
Cobbs’ longtime talent representative, Susan Zachary, praised him as a loyal and dear friend who inspired many in the industry. “He was loyal and dear … an inspiring actor, director, and human. He will be sorely missed by all who knew him,” Zachary said in a statement to People. “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.”
Fans also flooded social media with tributes. One user wrote, “RIP to legendary character actor Bill Cobbs – a warm and welcome face in every one of his countless performances!” Another said, “Bill Cobbs was central to one of the most important scenes in the history of sports movies. RIP.”
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1934, Cobbs served as a radar technician in the U.S. Air Force for eight years before beginning his acting career. He started at Karamu House, a historic black theater in his hometown, before moving to New York. Over the years, he secured roles in iconic films like “The Bodyguard,” “Air Bud,” and “The Color Of Money.” He played memorable characters such as Reginald in “Night At The Museum” alongside Dick Van Dyke and Mickey Rooney, and an elderly reverend in “The Sopranos.”
Cobbs continued to work until the end, with several projects yet to be released, including the drama film “Broken Church.” His legacy as a talented and generous actor will be remembered by colleagues, fans, and the many lives he touched through his work.