Bill Cobbs
Biography
Bill Cobbs is an American actor born on June 16, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He is known for his film roles, including Louisiana Slim in The Hitter, Walter in The Brother from Another Planet, Reginald in Night at the Museum, and Master Tinker on Oz the Great and Powerful. He also appeared in television series such as I'll Fly Away, where he played Lewis Coleman, and The Michael Richards Show, where he played Jack. Cobbs had guest appearances on Walker, Texas Ranger and The Sopranos. He won a Daytime Emmy Award in 2020 for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program for the series Dino Dana.
Career overview
Bill Cobbs is an American actor known for his film and television roles. He has appeared in a variety of films, including The Hitter, The Brother from Another Planet, Night at the Museum, and Oz the Great and Powerful. Cobbs has also had a presence in television, with notable roles in series such as I'll Fly Away and The Michael Richards Show. In addition to these roles, he has made guest appearances on shows like Walker, Texas Ranger and The Sopranos.
Cobbs' acting credits span multiple genres and formats, showcasing his versatility as a performer. His work in film and television has allowed him to engage with a wide range of audiences and explore different characters. Throughout his career, he has demonstrated a commitment to his craft, taking on a variety of roles that have helped to establish him as a respected figure in the entertainment industry.
Bill Cobbs' career has been marked by a steady stream of credits, with over 150 known roles to his name. He has worked in the entertainment industry for many years, earning recognition for his performances.
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Career timeline
Full Filmography
159 titles- Broken Church (2025) as Pastor Evans
- Caroltyn (2022) as Dr. Mason
- Block Party (2022) as Uncle Jim
- Saving Paradise (2021) as John Thompson
- Dino Dana: The Movie (2020) as Mr. Hendersen (Uncredited)
- Beyond the Law (2019) as Swilley
- Clipped Wings, They Do Fly (2018) as Judge Johnson
- As Evil Does (2018) as Jeremiah
- My Christmas Grandpa (2017) as Fred
- Greenleaf (2016) as John McCready
- Greenleaf (2016) as Henry McCready
- New Life (2016) as Mr. Charles
- Call Me King (2016) as Malachi
- The Carmichael Show (2015) as Vernon
- The Great Gilly Hopkins (2015) as Mr Randolph
- The Ultimate Legacy (2015) as Ted Hamilton
- A House Is Not a Home (2015) as Paul
- Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014) as Reginald
- Hand of God (2014) as Papa Gene
- Rake (2014) as Federal Judge
- Rake (2014) as Judge Rutchland
- Christmas in Palm Springs (2014) as Gabriel
- Of Mind and Music (2014) as Stompleg
- On Angel's Wings (2014) as Mr. Dupac
- Marvel's Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D. (2013) as Old Man
- Oz the Great and Powerful (2013) as Master Tinker
- The Ultimate Life (2013) as Ted Hamilton
- Dear Secret Santa (2013) as Ted
- The Last Letter (2013) as Pastor
- Go On (2012) as George
- The Undershepherd (2012) as Dr. Ezekiel Cannon
- Lukewarm (2012) as Thomas
- Harry's Law (2011) as Judge
- The Muppets (2011) as Grandfather
- Criminal Minds: Suspect Behavior (2011) as Bishop Sanford
- The Arcadian (2011) as Charles
- The Tenant (2011) as Jack Rymer
- The Glades (2010) as Gregory Richmond
- The Search for Santa Paws (2010) as Mr. Stewart
- Get Low (2010) as Rev. Charlie Jackson
- No Limit Kids - Much Ado About Middle School (2010)
- The Morgue (2008) as George
- This Man's Life (2008) as Myer Truman
- Army Wives (2007) as Harry
- The Ultimate Gift (2007) as Ted Hamilton
- October Road (2007)
- Side Order of Life (2007) as Eddie Morgan
- Three Days to Vegas (2007) as Marvin Jeffries
- Night at the Museum (2006) as Reginald
- Hard Luck (2006) as Cobb
- Queen of Swing (2006) as Narrator
- Special Ed (2006) as Lou
- Duck (2005) as Norman
- The Derby Stallion (2005) as Houston Jones
- The Final Patient (2005) as Dr. Daniel Green
- Beah: A Black Woman Speaks (2004) as Self
- One Tree Hill (2003) as Gus
- 10-8: Officers on Duty (2003) as Earl Edmonds
- A Mighty Wind (2003) as Blues Musician
- Enough (2002) as Jim Toller
- Sunshine State (2002) as Dr. Elton Lloyd
- Star Trek: Enterprise (2001) as Dr. Emory Erickson
- Six Feet Under (2001) as Mr. Jones
- The Division (2001) as Mr. Greene
- My Wife and Kids (2001)
- A Rugrats Kwanzaa (2001) as Uncle Charles (voice)
- CSI: Crime Scene Investigation (2000) as Harry Bastille
- Yes, Dear (2000) as Counterman
- Soul Food (2000) as Mr. Bradford
- The Michael Richards Show (2000) as Jack
- The Others (2000) as Elmer Greentree
- For All Time (2000) as Proprietor / Conductor
- The Tulsa Lynching of 1921: A Hidden Story (2000)
- The Sopranos (1999) as Reverend James Sr.
- The West Wing (1999) as Alan Tatum
- Random Hearts (1999) as Marvin
- The Wild Thornberrys (1998) as Chief (voice)
- L.A. Doctors (1998) as Bob
- Hope Floats (1998) as Nurse
- I Still Know What You Did Last Summer (1998) as Estes
- Paulie (1998) as Virgil the Janitor
- Always Outnumbered (1998) as Right Burke
- The Practice (1997) as Arthur Turner
- The Gregory Hines Show (1997)
- Air Bud (1997) as Arthur Chaney
- That Thing You Do! (1996) as Del Paxton
- Ghosts of Mississippi (1996) as Charlie Evers
- First Kid (1996) as Speet
- Ed (1996) as Tipton
- Nightjohn (1996) as Old man
- Thrill (1996) as Norm Duprey
- JAG (1995) as Matthew Turner
- The Drew Carey Show (1995) as Tony
- The Outer Limits (1995) as Second Elder - Prisoner No. 91777
- The Outer Limits (1995) as Joe Dell
- The Wayans Bros. (1995) as Fred Watson
- Things to Do in Denver When You're Dead (1995) as Malt
- Kingfish: A Story of Huey P. Long (1995) as Pullman Porter
- The Watcher (1995)
- Fluke (1995) as Bert
- Man with a Gun (1995) as Henry Griggs
- Captiva Island (1995) as Vernon
- Tuesday Morning Ride (1995) as Jeff
- Out There (1995) as Lyman Weeks
- Goldilocks and the Three Bears (1995) as Caleb
- Divas (1995) as Sippy
- ER (1994) as Mr. Bowman
- Touched by an Angel (1994) as Henry Baldwin
- The Hudsucker Proxy (1994) as Moses
- NYPD Blue (1993) as Bernie Carpenter
- NYPD Blue (1993) as Norval Stevens
- Walker, Texas Ranger (1993) as Gino Costa
- Demolition Man (1993) as Zachary Lamb - Aged
- Fatal Instinct (1993) as Man in Park
- I'll Fly Away: Then and Now (1993) as Lewis Coleman
- The Bodyguard (1992) as Bill Devaney
- Roadside Prophets (1992) as Oscar
- Exiled in America (1992) as Abraham White
- New Jack City (1991) as Old Man
- I'll Fly Away (1991) as Lewis Coleman
- The Hard Way (1991) as Raggedy Man
- The People Under the Stairs (1991) as Grandpa Booker
- Carolina Skeletons (1991) as Elijah Crooks
- Northern Exposure (1990) as Angelo Maxwell
- True Colors (1990)
- Gabriel's Fire (1990)
- The Trials of Rosie O'Neill (1990) as Fish Fry Baby
- Decoration Day (1990) as Gee Pennywell
- Moe's World (1990)
- Coach (1989) as George
- The January Man (1989) as Detective Reilly
- Empty Nest (1988)
- Bird (1988) as Dr. Caulfield
- Dominick and Eugene (1988) as Jesse Johnson
- Suspect (1987) as Judge Franklin
- Five Corners (1987) as Elderly Man in Bar
- L.A. Law (1986) as Webb Johnson
- L.A. Law (1986) as Webb Cobbs
- Designing Women (1986) as Henry / Charlie
- The Color of Money (1986) as Orvis
- Streets of Gold (1986) as Dishwasher at Klebanov's (uncredited)
- Johnny Bull (1986) as Wiggins
- The Equalizer (1985) as Barry
- Spenser: For Hire (1985)
- Compromising Positions (1985) as Sgt. Williams
- Kate & Allie (1984)
- The Cotton Club (1984) as Big Joe Ison
- The Brother from Another Planet (1984) as Walter
- Trading Places (1983) as Bartender
- Silkwood (1983) as Man in Lunchroom
- Rage of Angels (1983) as Abraham Wilson
- The Member of the Wedding (1982) as T.T. Williams
- The Hitter (1979) as Louisiana Slim
- Greased Lightning (1977) as Mr Jones
- Greased Lightning (1977) as Mr. Jones
- A Boy and a Boa (1975) as father
- Good Times (1974)
- The Taking of Pelham One Two Three (1974) as Man on Platform
- Hallmark Hall of Fame (1951) as Gee Pennywell
Frequently Asked Questions
What movies or TV shows is Bill Cobbs best known for?
Bill Cobbs is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Greenleaf (2016), Greenleaf (2016), Night at the Museum: Secret of the Tomb (2014), Duel at Diablo (1966).
When and where was Bill Cobbs born?
Bill Cobbs was born on June 16, 1934 in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. They passed away on June 25, 2024.
How many credits does Bill Cobbs have?
Bill Cobbs has accumulated over 159 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1951 to 2025.
What is Bill Cobbs's background in cinema and television?
Bill Cobbs is an American actor born on June 16, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, USA. He is known for his film roles, including Louisiana Slim in The Hitter, Walter in The Brother from Another Planet, Reginald in Night at the Museum, and Master Tinker on Oz the Great and Powerful. He also appeared in television series such a...