by Cedric ‘BIG CED’ Thornton

June 27, 2024

He appeared in nearly 200 movies and television shows

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Actor Bill Cobbs, who celebrated his 90th birthday June 16, has died, his family said in a statement.

A family member, Thomas Cobb, released  a statement on social media acknowledging the actor’s death.

“We are saddened to share the passing of Bill Cobbs. 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. We ask for your prayers and encouragement during this time.”

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 pic.twitter.com/BZNWxW4HuM

— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) June 26, 2024

According to Variety, Cobbs was a veteran actor who appeared in nearly 200 movies and television shows throughout his nearly 50-year career. He made his feature film debut in 1974 when he had a role in the movie, The Taking of Pelham One Two Three. He made his television debut the following year in Vegetable Soup.

His IMDb.com bio stated that before he made his way to TV and movie roles, the Cleveland resident moved to New York to pursue a career in acting in 1970.

Cobbs was a cab driver, an office equipment repairman, and a toys salesman before he landed his first acting role. His first professional acting role took place at the Negro Ensemble Company in Ride a Black Horse. He appeared in several small theater productions, street theater, regional theater, and at the Eugene O’Neill Theater.

He appeared in an array of movies ranging from Brother from Another Planet to Air Bud. On TV, he was equally prolific, appearing in everything from The Sopranos to Sesame Street. 

In 2020, Cobbs won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance in a daytime program for Dino Dana.

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