History of Bill Cobbs in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 27, 2024

Wilbert Francisco Cobbs was a celebrated American actor known for his versatility and memorable performances. He rose to prominence with roles in films like "The Hitter," "The Brother from Another Planet," "Night at the Museum," and "Oz the Great and Powerful." Cobbs's talent extended to television, where he starred in series such as "I'll Fly Away" and "The Michael Richards Show." His illustrious career earned him a Daytime Emmy Award for his role in "Dino Dana" in 2020.

June 16, 1934: Birth of Bill Cobbs

Bill Cobbs was born on June 16, 1934.

1970: Move to New York and Career Transition

At 36 years old, Bill Cobbs made a life-altering decision in 1970. He left his previous jobs and moved to New York City with the aspiration of becoming an actor. To support himself during this time, he took on various jobs such as driving a cab, repairing office equipment, selling toys, and doing odd jobs.

1974: Film Debut in "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three"

Bill Cobbs made his first appearance in a feature film in 1974 with a role in "The Taking of Pelham One Two Three".

1976: Appearance in "Vegetable Soup"

Bill Cobbs appeared in "Vegetable Soup", an educational series broadcast on New York public television, in 1976.

1979: Role in "The Hitter"

In 1979, Bill Cobbs appeared in the movie "The Hitter" as Louisiana Slim.

1984: Role in "The Brother from Another Planet"

Bill Cobbs took on the role of Walter in the movie "The Brother from Another Planet" in 1984.

1991: Role in "I'll Fly Away"

Bill Cobbs began his role as Lewis Coleman in the television series "I'll Fly Away" in 1991.

1993: End of "I'll Fly Away"

Bill Cobbs's role in "I'll Fly Away" concluded in 1993.

2000: Role in "The Michael Richards Show"

Bill Cobbs took on the role of Jack in "The Michael Richards Show" in the year 2000.

2006: Role in "Night at the Museum"

In 2006, Bill Cobbs portrayed Reginald, a security guard nearing retirement, in the film "Night at the Museum".

2010: Appearance in "The Search for Santa Paws"

Bill Cobbs made a brief appearance in the film "The Search for Santa Paws" in 2010.

2012: Recurring Role in "Go On"

Beginning in 2012, Bill Cobbs took on a recurring role as George, a blind member of a grief support group, in the television series "Go On".

2013: Role in "Oz the Great and Powerful"

Bill Cobbs joined the cast of "Oz the Great and Powerful" in 2013, playing the character of Master Tinker.

2014: Reprising Role in "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb"

Bill Cobbs returned as Reginald in "Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb", reprising his role from the previous film, in late 2014.

2020: Daytime Emmy Award and Appearance in "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D."

In 2020, Bill Cobbs achieved two notable milestones. He was honored with a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for his work in the series "Dino Dana". Adding to his accomplishments, he also made a guest appearance in the two-part series finale of "Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.", portraying an elderly S.H.I.E.L.D. agent.