US actor Carl Weathers, known for his iconic role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series, has died at the age of 76.
Weathers passed away peacefully in his sleep, as stated in a family release. Apart from his memorable portrayal of Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films, he also starred in other notable movies such as Predator alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore.
Before making a name for himself in Hollywood, Carl Weathers began his career as an NFL linebacker. His family’s statement described him as an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life, leaving an indelible mark through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports.
Carl Weather’s Versatility in Film and Television
Former co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to Carl Weathers on X (formerly Twitter), calling him a legend and praising his talents as an athlete and actor, emphasizing his essential role in the making of Predator.
Born in 1948 in New Orleans, Weathers initially pursued football at San Diego State University before joining the Oakland Raiders in 1970. Over his more than 50-year career in Hollywood, he appeared in over 75 films and TV shows, earning an Emmy nomination in 2021 for his role in The Mandalorian. He also directed episodes of The Mandalorian, as well as episodes of Law & Order and Chicago Med.
Carl Weathers was also known for his roles in Action Jackson, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Eight Crazy Nights, Little Nicky, and the Toy Story franchise.
Adam Sandler paid tribute on social media, acknowledging Weathers as a great man, father, actor, and athlete, while Giancarlo Esposito expressed his sorrow at the loss of his dear friend and brother. Sylvester Stallone, in an emotional tribute, credited Weathers as an integral part of his success, particularly in the Rocky series.
His versatility as an actor was evident in his roles spanning action and comedy genres, from appearances in Arrested Development to his role in all three seasons of The Mandalorian on Disney+.
In a previous interview with the Detroit News, Carl Weathers considered himself lucky and hoped to inspire others with his work, acknowledging those who came before him as inspirations for his success.
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