Net Worth Ranker
What Is Bill Cobbs’s Net Worth?
Bill Cobbs, a prolific American actor with a career spanning five decades, accumulated a net worth of $2 million. This valuation reflects his extensive body of work in film and television, comprising nearly 200 acting credits. His financial success stems from a diverse range of roles, showcasing his versatility and consistent presence in the entertainment industry.
Early Career and Transition to Acting
William Francis Cobbs was born on June 16, 1934, in Cleveland, Ohio, to Vera, a domestic worker, and David, a construction worker. After completing high school, Cobbs joined the United States Air Force as a radar technician, serving for eight years. Following his military service, he worked in office products at IBM and later sold cars in Cleveland. During this time, he began acting in theater productions at the African American Performing Arts Center and the Karamu House Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio. This early involvement in local theater laid the groundwork for his eventual transition to professional acting, although specific financial details from these early theatrical endeavors are not publicly available. Cobbs’s commitment to acting led him to make a significant career change at the age of 36, moving to New York in 1970 to pursue his passion full-time. To support himself during this transition, he took on various odd jobs, including driving a cab, repairing office equipment, and selling toys, demonstrating his dedication to establishing himself as an actor.
Film and Television Career Highlights
Cobbs’s film career began in 1974 with a role in “The Taking of Pelham One Two Three.” His early roles included appearances in “Greased Lightning” (1977) and “A Hero Ain’t Nothin’ but a Sandwich” (1978), culminating in his prominent role as Louisiana Slim in “The Hitter” (1979). The 1980s saw him in “Trading Places” and “Silkwood” (1983), followed by “The Brother from Another Plane” and “The Cotton Club” (1984). He continued to build his filmography with “Compromising Positions” (1985) and “The Color of Money” (1986). While specific salary details for these early roles are not publicly disclosed, they contributed to his growing net worth and recognition in the industry.
The 1990s marked a significant period in Cobbs’s career, with roles in “New Jack City,” “The Hard Way,” and “The People Under the Stairs” (1991). He also appeared in “Roadside Prophets,” “Exiled in America,” and “The Bodyguard” (1992). In 1993, he played the aged version of Zachary Lamb in “Demolition Man” and had a role in “Fatal Instinct.” A notable role came in 1994 with “The Hudsucker Proxy,” where he played Moses. The year 1995 was particularly busy, with appearances in “Things to Do in Denver When You’re Dead,” “Fluke,” and “Man with a Gun.” Subsequent roles included “First Kid” and “That Thing You Do!” (1996), followed by “Soulmates” and “Air Bud” (1997). He concluded the decade with roles in “Paulie,” “I Still Know What You Did Last Summer,” and “Random Hearts.” Precise financial compensation for each of these roles varies, but they collectively added to his overall earnings and net worth.
In the 2000s, Cobbs continued to work steadily, appearing in films such as “Sunshine State,” “A Mighty Wind,” “Lost,” “Duck,” “The Final Patient,” “The Ultimate Gift,” “Night at the Museum,” and “The Morgue.” The 2010s saw him in “The Arcadian,” “The Muppets,” “Of Mind and Music,” “Call Me King,” and “Beyond the Law.” He also reprised his role in the “Night at the Museum” films as Reginald. His continued involvement in both film and television projects contributed to a stable income stream, bolstering his net worth over time. Specific earnings from these projects are not publicly documented, but his consistent presence in the industry suggests a steady source of revenue.
Cobbs also maintained a strong presence in television, beginning with “Good Times” in 1976 and “Baby, I’m Back” in 1977. He appeared in the miniseries “King” in 1978. Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, he guest-starred in episodes of “The Equalizer,” “Kate & Allie,” “Spenser: For Hire,” “L.A. Law,” “Gabriel’s Fire,” “Decoration Day,” “Empty Nest,” “NYPD Blue,” “ER,” and “The Outer Limits.” He was a main cast member in “I’ll Fly Away” and “The Gregory Hines Show.” Other notable television roles include a nine-episode arc on “The Drew Carey Show,” recurring roles on “Go On” and “Greenleaf,” and six episodes of “Dino Dana” from 2017 to 2019. Notably, he won a Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Limited Performance in a Daytime Program in 2020 for his work on “Dino Dana.” He also guest-starred in a two-part series finale of “Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.,” playing an unnamed elderly S.H.I.E.L.D. agent. These television appearances, particularly his recurring roles and Emmy win, contributed significantly to his income and net worth. While exact figures for his television earnings are not publicly available, his consistent work in the medium played a crucial role in his financial stability.
Net Worth Calculation and Sources
Bill Cobbs’s net worth of $2 million is an estimate based on publicly available information regarding his acting roles, potential endorsements, and other professional activities. As a seasoned actor with nearly 200 acting credits, Cobbs’s primary source of income was derived from his film and television work. The valuation considers the length and consistency of his career, spanning five decades, and his ability to secure roles in both high-profile and smaller-budget productions. It is important to note that net worth estimates can fluctuate based on various factors, including investment performance, personal expenses, and changes in asset values. While specific details about Cobbs’s investment portfolio and other assets are not publicly available, the $2 million estimate provides a reasonable assessment of his financial standing at the time of his death. Considering his long and successful career, his net worth reflects his contributions to the entertainment industry and his ability to sustain a viable income over many years.
Additional Contributions and Recognition
Beyond his acting roles, Bill Cobbs also received recognition for his contributions to the entertainment industry, including his Daytime Emmy Award for “Dino Dana.” Awards and accolades can enhance an actor’s reputation and potentially lead to increased earning opportunities. While the direct financial impact of such recognition may not be immediately quantifiable, it contributes to an actor’s overall value and marketability. Additionally, Cobbs’s involvement in various film and television projects allowed him to build relationships and establish a network within the industry, which could have facilitated further opportunities and collaborations. The combination of his acting talent, consistent work ethic, and industry recognition played a significant role in shaping his career and ultimately contributing to his net worth. While the specific financial details of each project remain private, the cumulative effect of his extensive body of work resulted in a net worth of $2 million. Cobbs’s career serves as an example of how dedication, versatility, and perseverance can lead to financial stability and recognition in the competitive world of acting.
Death and Legacy
Bill Cobbs died on June 25, 2024, at the age of 90, at his home in Riverside, California. His death marked the end of a long and impactful career in film and television. While the distribution of his assets and estate details are not publicly available, his legacy as a respected and accomplished actor remains. Cobbs’s contributions to the entertainment industry spanned multiple genres and mediums, leaving a lasting impression on audiences and fellow actors alike. His net worth of $2 million reflects his professional success and financial stability throughout his career, providing a measure of his accomplishments and contributions. As with many public figures, the specifics of his financial arrangements and estate planning remain private, but his impact on the world of acting is undeniable. His long and varied career stands as a testament to his talent, dedication, and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.
