Bill Cobbs Remembered: Fellow Actors Pay Tribute to an Indelible Figure of Cinema and Television
While there were exceptions, such as Stepin Fetchit's stereotypical roles and Paul Robeson's grand performances, becoming an actor wasn't something that came to Cobbs naturally. He tried out music, spent eight years in the US Air Force as a radar technician and part-time stand-up comedian, sold cars, and even worked at IBM, but at some point, he caught acting bug and it became an infection he couldn't shake.
Certainly by 1983, it was clear that he had more acting talents waiting to be showcased, but it's safe to say that Cobbs was already a standout, even in these smaller roles.
As the years went by and character actor Martin Cobbs' on-screen roles changed, his voice became more distinct and his eyes took on a deeper intensity - yet, he was increasingly sought after by both casting directors and filmmakers. The more he continued to command attention, the greater significance his presence had on the films he appeared in and the audience that adored him. This wasn't an isolated impact, either. After his passing, fellow actors from many years shared an heartfelt tribute and fond memories of their collaborations with this well-respected colleague within their industry.
In paying tribute to his work and legacy, highlights a few of our favorite performances from Cobbs below.
"New Jack City" (dir. Mario Van Peebles, 1991)
Though referred to as simply "Old Man" in the movie, Cobbs appears as the strong and fierce figure of a community being torn apart from within by crimes, drugs, and the influence of Nino Brown (Wesley Snipes). Like in most of his roles, Cobbs is on screen for a limited time, but his presence has a lasting impact in the movie's final scenes, where his character carries out justice that the legal system was unable to provide.
"That Thing You Do!" (dir. by Tom Hanks, 1996)
If you're a struggling artist, the person you'd want to turn to for advice is Bill Cobbs, because he's been where you are and can relate on a deep level. The confidence that Comes across in his presence is contagious and makes you believe what he says. Although it's a missed opportunity that his role in "That Thing You Do!" is mostly confined to motivating the band's white drummer, his character as jazz pianist Del Paxton is still crucial to the film's message about rediscovering the joy of playing music. By playing a character who put his musical dreams on the backburner, Cobbs brings a realistic touch to both the people around him and the audience he's addressing.
"The Air Born" (directed by Charles Martin Smith, 1997)
One can argue that the film's campy plot somehow becomes believable thanks to Cobb's portrayal of Coach Chaney, a former professional basketball player turned elementary school facilities engineer who gets a second chance to be involved in the game he loves and thinks dogs should be a part of too. It's a kids' movie, after all, and it's supposed to be silly and whimsical, but Cobb's conviction that the film's central canine character and the kids he coaches should be taken seriously makes it a classic worth rooting for - and his iconic line, "You check in your rule book, but you won't find anything in there that says a dog can't play," has become a memorable phrase that has been referenced in popular culture.
West Wing Season 3, Episode 18, 'Enemies Foreign and Domestic'
A simple letter to the President takes a dramatic turn into a valuable history lesson for the President's personal aide, Charlie Young. Initially, Charlie receives a letter from a young boy, which is puzzling due to some of the terms used. The letter references individuals and organizations Charlie is not familiar with, and eventually, he discovers it was actually written in the 1930s to FDR and had been misplaced until now. Moved by the circumstances, Charlie arranges for the now elderly writer, who is played by Cobbs, to meet the current President, fulfilling the boy's original request from decades ago. In a poignant moment, Cobbs appears in the program only once, bringing a piece of history that adds depth to one of the episode's most memorable conclusions.
The Sopranos" Season 2, Episode 2, "Do Not Resuscitate
Writers to put the late James Gandolfini's Tony in a room with a respected Black reverend, hoping for a provocative moment, but instead, Tony's interaction with Reverend James, Sr. in "The Cobb" highlights the character's deeper connection to his roots and the individuals who contributed to the country's heritage, which he now leverages for his own gain. In this rare instance, Cobb's insight also humanizes Gandolfini's Tony by subtly shifting the viewer's perspective on the character's place in society.
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