Bill Cobbs dead: ‘The Bodyguard,’ ‘Night at the Museum’ actor was 90

WASHINGTON — Actor Bill Cobbs, who starred opposite Whitney Houston and Kevin Costner in “The Bodyguard,” has died. He had recently turned 90 years old.  

In a Facebook post, Cobbs’ brother confirmed that the actor “passed away peacefully at his home in California” on Tuesday. 

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

TMZ reported that Cobb’s cause of death was pneumonia.

A veteran character actor, Cobbs had more than 150 TV and film credits in his near 50-year career. 

He played Whitney Houston’s manager in “The Bodyguard,” basketball coach Arthur Chaney in “Air Bud,” and co-starred in “Oz the Great and Powerful” as the Master Tinker. Cobbs also had a memorable supporting role as a security guard in “Night in the Museum,” alongside Ben Stiller and Mickey Rooney, and returned for the 2014 sequel. 

On television his credits ranged from “The Drew Carey Show” to “The Sopranos” to “Star Trek: Enterprise.” He won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2020 for the children’s TV series “Dino Dana.”

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