Bill Cobbs, film legend of 'The Bodyguard,' dies at 90

Bill Cobbs, known for movies such as "The Bodyguard," in which he played Whitney Houston's bodyguard, and "Night at the Museum," in which he portrayed Reginald, was a true legend in the film world. His career spanned many years until the last days of his life. The actor passed away at the age of 90.

His representative conveyed the news of Bill Cobbs' death during a conversation with "The Hollywood Reporter." The actor died at his home, and the cause of his death was natural causes related to age. Cobbs worked almost until the last days of his life. Despite his advanced age, in 2023, he still appeared in film productions. Two years ago, he played Uncle Jim in the movie "Block Party." One of the last significant projects he participated in was the film "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb." He was 80 then but did not give up working.

Bill Cobbs had a long and impressive career in the film industry. He was born on June 16, 1934. In his case, it cannot be said that he immediately decided on an acting career; it came to him only after many years. He served in the U.S. Air Force for eight years, then worked for IBM and also sold cars. In 1969, he acted in the play "Lost in the Stars," a critique of apartheid. It was then that he fell in love with acting. A year later, at the age of 36, he moved to New York City to try his hand at acting.

Cobbs joined the N***o Ensemble Company in New York City, where artists like Ruby Dee and Adolph Caesar were active.

Once I realized I could walk on the stage with people like that, I thought, 'Maybe I can be an actor,' he recalled in one of the interviews.

And indeed he could. In the 1970s, he acted in several movies, and the next decade saw his film career flourish. In 1992, the movie "The Bodyguard" was released in theaters, in which he starred. He also appeared in productions such as "Demolition Man," "Fatal Instinct," "Ghosts of Mississippi," "Night at the Museum," "The Muppets," "Oz the Great and Powerful," and "Lawless."

"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," shared the family of the film world veteran.