In fact, all it really takes is a single appearance. If any talent has served a bit of time in Science Fiction, Fantasy, or Horror, I do try to shine a little light on them when time permits. Sadly, there isn't enough time, so I've had to do so -- especially for a certain generation of actors and actresses -- when they make the news. Ours is an imperfect world, and I apologize for just not having more of myself to commit blog space in otherwise dire circumstances.
Alas, word has reached the World Wide Web of Bill Cobbs' passage. A screen veteran with five decades and two hundred different credits worth of experience, the man wasn't exactly what anyone would call a SciFi heavyweight. A quick glance of his professional resume shows far more mainstream dramas and comedies to his name, but there are a few in there deserving of mentions for fans who like such notations.
In 1984, Cobbs earned some of his earliest Science Fiction limelight with a role aboard the critically acclaimed The Brother From Another Planet for A-Train Films.
In 1993, he appeared in a small role aboard the Sylvester Stallone vehicle -- Demolition Man -- for Warner Bros. and Silver Pictures.
In 1995, the actor found gainful employment aboard the SciFi/Telefilm Out There for Showtime Networks.
Still, I think Cobbs' TV appearances are probably those I know better than his films. Along with enjoying big exposure in the somewhat forgotten Fantasy/Horror The Others (2000), he paid visits to The Outer Limits, Touched By An Angel, Star Trek: Enterprise, and Marvel's Agents Of S.H.I.E.L.D.
Our prayers are extended to the family, friends, and fans of Bill Cobbs.
May he rest in peace.
-- EZ