Actor Bill Cobbs has died at the age of 90, according to his brother Thomas, who confirmed the news via social media. The veteran had a career spanning more than five decades as an actor and director, beginning at the age of 36. Among his notable roles were the jazz pianist in That Thing You Do! and Whitney Houston’s manager in The Bodyguard. He also starred in television shows including Sesame Street, The Sopranos, and Star Trek: Enterprise.
Cobbs won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2020 for his performance in the limited series Dino Dana as Mr. Hendrickson. Susan Zachary, his publicist, described him as “a hugely talented actor and director” and a “revered icon”.
Cobbs’ brother Thomas took to Facebook to announce the death of Bill on June 25, with the statement: “As a family, we are comforted knowing Bill has found peace and eternal rest with his Heavenly Father.” According to Chuck I. Jones, Cobbs died of natural causes.
Tributes poured in from fans and fellow actors, with Wendell Pierce describing Cobbs as his father figure and a “griot” who imparted wisdom and encouragement during his time on The Gregory Hines Show and I’ll Fly Away. The NAACP also shared its condolences, calling Cobbs an “iconic actor
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