Prolific Hollywood Actor Bill Cobbs, Who Played Role In ‘Night At The Museum’, Has Passed Away

Bill Cobbs, a prolific character actor with nearly 200 film and television credits, died Tuesday at his home in Riverside, California.

He was 90 years old. The news was announced by his brother on Facebook.

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

Cobbs is an actor who, if you saw him on the screen you’d say to yourself, ‘I’ve seen him a million times!’

And once you pulled up his IMDB page, you’d be blown away by the number of films and television shows he appeared in.

Cobbs was known for his roles in The Bodyguard, Air Bud, and Night at the Museum, among many others. He was a co-star in the movie Oz the Great and Powerful with James Franco and Mila Kunis.

He played the Master Tinker.

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Bill Cobbs’ Legacy

Interestingly, Cobbs began his acting career later in life. He made his feature film debut in 1974’s The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.

Prior to acting he worked as a cab driver, office equipment repairman, and toy salesman. He also served in the U.S. Air Force as a radar technician for eight years.

Cobbs won a Daytime Emmy Award for outstanding limited performance for the series “Dino Dana” in 2020.

He is perhaps best known for his role in the Night at the Museum franchise. He played a security guard on the verge of retirement in the original, then reprised the role in Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb.

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Television Actor

Bill Cobbs also showed up on numerous television shows, including appearances on ER, Walker, Texas Ranger, The Sopranos, and had a recurring role on The Drew Carey Show.

His last television role was playing an elderly agent in the two-part series finale of Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.

While not a common household name, Cobbs’ legacy is undeniable. Viewers will no doubt see his face on television and movie re-runs – and there will be many – for years to come.

He leaves behind a rich and enduring legacy in the world of film and television.