Bill Cobbs

Born:June 16, 1934

Place of Birth:Cleveland, Ohio, USA

Died:June 25, 2024

Known For:Acting

Biography

William Francisco Cobbs, known to the world as Bill Cobbs, was a distinguished American actor whose career spanned several decades in the entertainment industry. Born on June 16, 1934, his talent and versatility shone through in a variety of memorable film and television roles.

One of Cobbs' notable performances was as Louisiana Slim in the 1979 film "The Hitter," where he captivated audiences with his portrayal of a complex and compelling character. His ability to bring depth and authenticity to his roles made him a sought-after actor in Hollywood.

In the 1984 film "The Brother from Another Planet," Cobbs showcased his acting prowess as Walter, leaving a lasting impression on viewers with his nuanced performance. His on-screen presence was powerful and engaging, drawing viewers into the worlds of the characters he portrayed.

Cobbs continued to make his mark in the industry with roles such as Reginald in "Night at the Museum" (2006) and Master Tinker in "Oz the Great and Powerful" (2013). His range as an actor was evident in the diverse characters he brought to life on the big screen.

Beyond his film roles, Cobbs also made a lasting impact on television, notably portraying Lewis Coleman on the acclaimed series "I'll Fly Away" from 1991 to 1993. His talent for embodying complex characters with depth and authenticity was a hallmark of his performances.

In addition to his work on "I'll Fly Away," Cobbs also graced the small screen with his presence in guest appearances on popular shows like "Walker, Texas Ranger" and "The Sopranos." His ability to seamlessly transition between different roles showcased his versatility as an actor.

Cobbs' dedication to his craft was recognized in 2020 when he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for his role in the series "Dino Dana." His talent and commitment to his work earned him accolades and cemented his legacy as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Throughout his career, Cobbs' passion for acting and storytelling shone through in every role he undertook, leaving a lasting impact on audiences and fellow actors alike. His contributions to film and television enriched the industry and inspired future generations of performers.

On June 25, 2024, the world lost a talented actor with the passing of Bill Cobbs. However, his legacy lives on through his body of work, which continues to captivate and inspire audiences around the world.

Images

Filmography

Acting

Night at the Museum

Reginald

2006

Chaos reigns at the natural history museum when night watchman Larry Daley accidentally stirs up an ancient curse, awakening Attila the Hun, an army of gladiators, a Tyrannosaurus rex and other exhibits.

Demolition Man

Zachary Lamb - Aged

1993

In 1996, brash L.A. detective John Spartan and maniac killer Simon Phoenix are both sentenced to decades in a cryogenic prison as punishment for a rescue mission gone wrong. When Phoenix escapes 36 years later to wreak havoc on the future, Spartan is awakened to capture his nemesis the old-fashioned way.

The Bodyguard

Bill Devaney

1992

A former Secret Service agent grudgingly takes an assignment to protect a pop idol who's threatened by a crazed fan. At first, the safety-obsessed bodyguard and the self-indulgent diva totally clash. But before long, all that tension sparks fireworks of another sort, and the love-averse tough guy is torn between duty and romance.

Trading Places

Bartender

1983

A snobbish investor and a wily street con-artist find their positions reversed as part of a bet by two callous millionaires.

Hope Floats

Nurse

1998

Birdee Pruitt has been humiliated on live television by her best friend, Connie, who's been sleeping with Birdee's husband, Bill. Birdee tries starting over with her daughter, Bernice, by returning to her small Texas hometown, but she's faced with petty old acquaintances who are thrilled to see Birdee unhappy -- except for her friend Justin. As he helps Birdee get back on her feet, love begins to blossom.

Enough

Jim Toller

2002

Working-class waitress Slim thought she was entering a life of domestic bliss when she married Mitch, the man of her dreams. After the arrival of their first child, her picture perfect life is shattered when she discovers Mitch's hidden possessive dark side, a controlling and abusive alter ego that can turn trust, love and tranquility into terror. Terrified for her child's safety, Slim flees with her daughter. Relentless in his pursuit and enlisting the aid of lethal henchmen, Mitch continually stalks the prey that was once his family.

Paulie

Virgil the Janitor

1998

Paulie, a talking parrot, recounts his travels looking for his original owner to a Russian janitor who helps him to the end of his journey.

Oz the Great and Powerful

Master Tinker

2013

Oscar Diggs, a small-time circus illusionist and con-artist, is whisked from Kansas to the Land of Oz where the inhabitants assume he's the great wizard of prophecy, there to save Oz from the clutches of evil.

I Still Know What You Did Last Summer

Estes

1998

Ever since killing the Fisherman one year ago, Julie James is still haunted by images of him after her. When her best friend Karla wins free tickets to the Bahamas, Julie finds this a perfect opportunity to finally relax. But someone is waiting for her. Someone who she thought was dead. Someone who is out again for revenge.

The Ultimate Gift

Ted Hamilton

2007

When his wealthy grandfather finally dies, Jason Stevens fully expects to benefit when it comes to the reading of the will. But instead of a sizable inheritance, Jason receives a test, a series of tasks he must complete before he can get any money.

The Muppets

Grandfather

2011

When Kermit the Frog and the Muppets learn that their beloved theater is slated for demolition, a sympathetic human, Gary, and his puppet brother, Walter, swoop in to help the gang put on a show and raise the $10 million they need to save the day.

Air Bud

Arthur Chaney

1997

A lonely boy befriends a stray dog who has a natural talent for basketball and together they experience the highs and lows of life as their friendship remains solid through a series of escapades.

New Jack City

Old Man

1991

A gangster, Nino, is in the Cash Money Brothers, making a million dollars every week selling crack. A cop, Scotty, discovers that the only way to infiltrate the gang is to become a dealer himself.

Fluke

Bert

1995

Workaholic Thomas Johnson dies in an auto accident and reincarnates as a dog. Remembering some of his previous being, he returns to his wife and son to protect them from the man who caused his accident. But, as time goes by, his memories return, and Thomas realizes he wasn't such a good husband and father.

That Thing You Do!

Del Paxton

1996

A Pennsylvania band scores a hit in 1964 and rides the star-making machinery as long as it can, with lots of help from its manager.

Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead

Malt

1995

Five different criminals face imminent death after botching a job quite badly.

The Hudsucker Proxy

Moses

1994

A naive business graduate is installed as president of a manufacturing company as part of a stock scam.

The Color of Money

Orvis

1986

Former pool hustler "Fast Eddie" Felson decides he wants to return to the game by taking a pupil. He meets talented but green Vincent Lauria and proposes a partnership. As they tour pool halls, Eddie teaches Vincent the tricks of scamming, but he eventually grows frustrated with Vincent's showboat antics, leading to an argument and a falling-out. Eddie takes up playing again and soon crosses paths with Vincent as an opponent.

Random Hearts

Marvin

1999

After losing their spouses in a plane crash, an internal affairs cop and a congresswoman find each other's keys in each other's loved ones' possessions and discover that the two were having an affair.

The People Under the Stairs

Grandpa Booker

1991

Trapped inside a fortified home owned by a mysterious couple, a young boy quickly learns the true nature of the homicidal inhabitants, and secret creatures hidden deep within the walls.

The Hard Way

Raggedy Man

1991

Seeking to raise his credibility as an actor and to land a role as a tough cop on a new show, Hollywood action star Nick Lang works a deal with New York City Police Capt. Brix, who by chance is one of his fans. Nick will be paired with detective Lt. John Moss and learn how to act like a real cop. But when Nick drives John crazy with questions and imitating him, he gets in the way of John's pursuit of a serial killer.

The Cotton Club

Big Joe Ison

1984

Harlem's legendary Cotton Club becomes a hotbed of passion and violence as the lives and loves of entertainers and gangsters collide.

Bird

Dr. Caulfield

1988

Saxophone player Charlie ‘Bird’ Parker comes to New York in 1940 and is quickly noticed for his remarkable way of playing. He becomes a drug addict but his loving wife Chan tries to help him.

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

Man on Platform

1974

In New York, armed men hijack a subway car and demand a ransom for the passengers. Even if it's paid, how could they get away?

The January Man

Detective Reilly

1989

Nick and Frank Starkey were both policemen. A scandal forced Nick to leave the force, now a serial killer has driven the police to take him back. A web that includes Frank's wife, bribery, and corruption all are in the background as Nick tries to uncover the secret of where the killer will strike next, and finally must lay a trap without the police.

Five Corners

Elderly Man in Bar

1987

A psychotic young man returns to his old neighborhood after release from prison. He seeks out the woman he previously tried to rape and the man who protected her, with twisted ideas of love for her and hate for him.