Actor Bill Cobbs, star of “The Bodyguard” and “Tonight at the Museum”, dies at the age of 90

Actor Bill Cobbs, known for his roles in Night at the Museum, The Bodyguard, Air Bud, and more, has died, Cobbs’ rep confirmed to Good Morning America. He was 90 years old.

“We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Cobbs,” his family said in a statement shared by his representative. “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 his dearest loved ones.”

“As a family, we take comfort in knowing that Bill has found eternal peace and rest with his Heavenly Father,” his family’s statement continued. “We ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time.”

In an obituary published by his representative, Susan Zachary of the Zachary Company, Cobbs was described as an “extremely 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’s company obituary read. “He was a respected icon to many – and deservedly so.”

Cobbs started acting when he was 36 years old. Before acting, he served in the U.S. Air Force, worked at IBM and sold cars, according to the obituary.

His first professional acting role was in “Ride a Black Horse” at the Negro Ensemble Company. He continued to act in small theater productions before landing his first television role in “Vegetable Soup,” a public education television series in New York.

Since then, Cobbs’ career as an actor has soared as he landed numerous roles in television and film. His resume will include more than 100 feature films and television shows.

Among his many roles, perhaps his most notable films are the 1992 film “The Bodyguard,” in which he played Devaney and worked alongside Kevin Costner and Whitney Houston, the 1997 Disney film “Air Bud,” and “Night at the Museum.” 1997. 2006 and “Oz the Great and Powerful” in 2013.

He also has numerous series credits across television, including “The Michael Richards Show,” “Agents of SHIELD,” “The Carmichael Show,” and “The Sopranos.”

His guest role as Mr. Hendrickson on “Dino Dana: The Movie” earned him a Cobbs Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program.

As a director, Cobbs directed The Meeting, a story about Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

Actor, writer and director Bachir Sylvain, who worked with Cobbs on the project, said in a statement: “He was more than just a mentor to me, more than a mentor, more than a friend. He became a second father, guiding me through the stages of my life.” The complexities of life.”

Some of Cobbs’ recent acting roles were the 2024 TV shows “Diarra from Detroit” and “BMF”.