Actor Bill Cobbs, known for his roles in "Night at the Museum," "The Bodyguard," "Air Bud" and more, has passed away at the age of 90, as confirmed by a representative for Cobbs on "Good Morning America."
"We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Cobbs," his family said in a statement shared by his rep. "On Tuesday, June 25, Bill passed away peacefully at his home in California. 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 statement from his family continued. "We ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time."
Bill Cobbs
In an obituary released by his representative, Susan Zachary of The Zachary Co., Cobbs is hailed as a "remarkably 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," the obituary from The Zachary Co. read. "He was a revered icon to many - and deservedly so."
Cobbs embarked on his acting journey at the age of 36.
Prior to his acting career, he served in the U.S. Air Force, worked at IBM, and sold cars, as stated in the obituary.
His debut professional acting role was in "Ride a Black Horse" at the Negro Ensemble Company. He then proceeded to feature in various small theater productions before landing his first television role on "Vegetable Soup," an educational series on New York public television.
From that point onwards, Cobbs' acting career flourished, with numerous roles in television and film. His extensive portfolio boasted over 100 feature films and television appearances.
Among his notable works, some of his most renowned films included "The Bodyguard" in 1992, where he played Devaney alongside Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, the 1997 Disney production "Air Bud," "Night at the Museum" in 2006, and "Oz the Great and Powerful" in 2013.
He also accumulated several television credits in series such as "The Michael Richards Show," "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.," "The Carmichael Show," and "The Sopranos."
His appearance as Mr. Hendrickson in "Dino Dana: The Movie" earned Cobbs a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program.
As a director, Cobbs helmed "The Meeting," a narrative revolving around Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.
Actor, writer, and director Bechir Sylvain, who collaborated with Cobbs on the project, expressed in a statement, "He was more than a mentor to me, more than a teacher, more than a friend. He became a second father, guiding me through life's intricacies."
Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
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