Who did Bill Cobbs play in The Sopranos? Character explored as veteran actor passes away at 90 

Bill Cobbs, who gained recognition for his performance as Reverend James Sr. in The Sopranos, passed away on June 25, 2024, at the age of 90. While speaking to The Hollywood Reporter, Bill's publicist Chuck I. Jones revealed that he died of natural causes.

The news was shared by Bill's family member, Thomas G. Cobbs, through the social media platform, Facebook where they added two photos. The caption stated:

"A beloved partner, big brother, uncle, surrogate parent, godfather and friend, Bill recently and happily celebrated his 90th birthday surrounded by cherished loved ones. As a family we are comforted knowing Bill has found peace and eternal rest with his Heavenly Father."

Bill Cobbs joined the U.S. Air Force before his successful career in films and television, where he was a radar technician. He was employed in other jobs until he made his debut on stage.

Apart from The Sopranos, he had many other credits under his name, including Three Days to Vegas, The Undershepherd, The Equalizer, L.A. Law, and more.

The Kate & Allie star's representative Susan Zachary even posted an obituary through The Zachary Co., saying that he was a "revered icon" to many people.

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Bill Cobbs as Reverend James Sr. in The Sopranos: Character explored

The Cleveland, Ohio native managed to win the hearts of the audience through his flawless acting skills on screen. While he portrayed various characters over the years, he was also featured in the 15th episode of The Sopranos Season 2 as Reverend James Sr.

Bill Cobbs' character was the father of Reverend James Jr. and appeared alongside his son during the protest that took place at the construction area of Jack Massarone. The protest started as a result of fewer jobs being offered to African-American workers.

Reverend James Sr. passed away towards the end of the episode. His son and family members were spotted at his wake along with Tony Soprano, who offered condolences to James Jr. after meeting his father at his home earlier.

The episode was titled Do Not Resuscitate and it aired on January 23, 2000. It started with the protest of the workers followed by Tony's meeting with Uncle Junior at prison, where the latter attempted to convince Tony that Livia was not associated with the attack targeted towards Soprano.

Tony also speaks to Bobby Baccalieri, saying that he would earn the position of boss and Junior is later released from prison. Janice visits Livia in the hospital and they sort out their issues after the former plays Livia's favorite music. However, Junior injures himself in the shower and requests Tony to make peace with Livia.

The Sopranos premiered on January 10, 1999, and continued for five more seasons until June 10, 2007.

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More about Bill Cobbs

Also known as Wilbert Francisco Cobbs, he arrived in New York City at the age of 36. As mentioned, he worked in the U.S. Air Force and later sold toys. He was employed as a taxi driver and car salesman and also did repairs for office equipment.

Bill completed his graduation at the East Tech High School and was initially featured on plays such as Purlie Victorious and Black Picture Show. He portrayed a minor role in The Talking of Pelham One Two Three and slowly began taking on significant characters in various films and television shows.

Bill Cobbs appeared as Tony in 9 episodes of The Drew Carey Show and Att. Adam Johnson in Baby, I'm Back. He was cast in several short films such as Picking Tribes, Inner Demon, Return to Sender, This Man's Life, and more.