Bill Cobbs facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Cobbs
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Bill Cobbs in Dear Secret Santa (2013)
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| Born |
Wilbert Francisco Cobbs
June 16, 1934 |
| Died | June 25, 2024 (aged 90) Riverside, California, U.S.
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| Occupation | Actor |
| Years active | 1974–2024 |
| Relatives | James Baskett (second cousin) |
Wilbert Francisco Cobbs, known to many as Bill Cobbs, was a fantastic American actor. He was born on June 16, 1934, and passed away on June 25, 2024. Bill Cobbs was famous for his roles in many movies and TV shows.
You might remember him as Reginald, the friendly security guard, in the movie Night at the Museum (2006). He also played Master Tinker in Oz the Great and Powerful (2013). On TV, he was Lewis Coleman in I'll Fly Away and George in the sitcom Go On. In 2020, he even won a Daytime Emmy Award for his role in the series Dino Dana.
Contents
Early Life and Beginnings
Wilbert Francisco Cobbs was born in Cleveland, Ohio. His birthday was June 16, 1934. His mother, Vera, worked at home, and his father, David, worked in construction. Bill also had a brother named Thomas. He was a second cousin to another actor, James Baskett.
Bill Cobbs' Acting Journey
Before becoming an actor, Bill Cobbs served in the U.S. Air Force. He worked as a radar technician for eight years. After that, he had different jobs, like working for IBM and selling cars in Cleveland.
In 1970, when he was 36 years old, Bill decided to follow his dream. He moved to New York City to become an actor. To support himself, he drove a taxi, fixed office equipment, and sold toys. He took on many different jobs while trying to start his acting career.
Bill Cobbs got his start in acting thanks to Reuben Silver. He began performing at the African American Performing Arts Center and Karamu House Theatre in Cleveland. His very first professional acting job was in a play called Ride a Black Horse. After that, he performed in many small theater shows and regional plays.
His first movie role was in The Taking of Pelham One Two Three in 1974. Bill Cobbs appeared in a huge number of movies and TV shows throughout his career.
Famous Roles in Movies
Bill Cobbs played many memorable characters in films. He was Coach Arthur Chaney in Disney's Air Bud, a movie about a dog who plays basketball. He also appeared in Ghosts of Mississippi and The Hudsucker Proxy.
One of his most well-known roles was Del Paxton, a fictional jazz pianist, in the movie That Thing You Do!, directed by Tom Hanks. He also had a small part in The Search for Santa Paws in 2010.
In 2013, Bill Cobbs co-starred in Oz the Great and Powerful as the Master Tinker. He returned as Reginald, the security guard, in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb in 2014.
Television Appearances
Bill Cobbs was also a familiar face on television. He had roles in popular shows like The Outer Limits, The Sopranos, Six Feet Under, and JAG. He even appeared in Star Trek: Enterprise as Dr. Emory Erickson, who invented the Transporter.
From 2012 to 2013, he had a recurring role as George in the TV series Go On. George was a blind member of a grief-support group. In 2020, he was a guest star in the final episodes of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D..
Bill Cobbs passed away peacefully at his home in Riverside, California, on June 25, 2024. He was 90 years old. He left behind a wonderful legacy of acting roles that many people will remember and enjoy.
Images for kids
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Bill Cobbs in Dear Secret Santa (2013)
See also
In Spanish: Bill Cobbs para niños
