Night at the Museum Actor Bill Cobbs Dies Aged 90

US actor Bill Cobbs, known for his roles in “Night at the Museum” and “The Bodyguard,” has passed away at the age of 90.

His agent confirmed to the PA news agency that Cobbs died on Tuesday, June 25 2024 evening in California, surrounded by his family. The actor is believed to have died of natural causes.

Cobbs played Whitney Houston’s manager, Bill Devaney, in the 1992 film “The Bodyguard,” which also starred Kevin Costner. In 2006, he portrayed security guard Reggie in “Night at the Museum,” acting alongside Ben Stiller and Robin Williams.

The veteran actor’s extensive filmography includes roles in “Air Bud,” “Sunshine State,” “Get Low,” “Ghosts of Mississippi,” “The Hudsucker Proxy,” “The Color of Money,” “Demolition Man,” and “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer.”

His television appearances spanned episodes of “The West Wing,” “The Sopranos,” “LA Law,” “One Tree Hill,” “NYPD Blue,” “Six Feet Under,” “CSI,” and “Star Trek: Enterprise.” Over his career, Cobbs accumulated approximately 200 film and television credits, often playing small but pivotal roles.

Born in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1934, Cobbs served eight years in the US Air Force before becoming an actor. He initially sold cars after his military service.

Cobbs began acting after a customer invited him to participate in a play, making his stage debut in 1969. He moved to New York a year later to pursue further acting opportunities.

His first film role came in 1974 with a brief appearance in the crime drama “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three,” launching a decades-long career in entertainment.

In 2020, Cobbs won a Daytime Emmy for his role in “Dino Dana,” a Canadian children’s educational show.

Cobbs’ brother, Thomas G. Cobbs, remembered him as “a beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather, and friend.” On Facebook, Thomas wrote, “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.”