Legendary Actor Carl Weathers Passes Away at 76
The world of cinema is in mourning following the death of legendary American actor and former American football player, Carl Weathers. Weathers is best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the first four ‘Rocky’ films, and his family announced his passing in a statement this Friday.
Weathers passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 1, 2024, leaving behind an extraordinary legacy. His family paid tribute to him as an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life and left an indelible mark through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports.
Carl Weathers was born in New Orleans in 1948 and had an acting career spanning approximately half a century. He appeared in various notable films such as the ‘Rocky’ saga, ‘Predator’ and ‘Happy Gilmore’. Recently, he was also part of ‘The Mandalorian’ where he worked alongside Pedro Pascal.
In addition to his successful acting career, Weathers had a brief stint as a professional American football player before transitioning into acting. He made his debut in the movie ‘Kung Fu’ in 1975 but it was his portrayal of Apollo Creed in ‘Rocky’ in 1976 that truly propelled his career.
Weathers’ most acclaimed character was that of the world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ series, where he famously fought against Sylvester Stallone’s character, Rocky.
Throughout his career, Weathers had various roles in both film and television, with a standout performance in ‘The Mandalorian’ in 2019. The hit series expanded the universe of ‘Star Wars’ and gave Weathers the opportunity to play the role of Greef Karga, as well as direct an episode of the second season.
Weathers will be greatly missed by his fans, and his passing is mourned deeply by family and friends, as well as co-stars and colleagues. Actor Adam Sandler, who worked with Weathers in ‘Happy Gilmore’, paid tribute to him, calling him a “truly great man” and a “true legend”.
Carl Weathers’ legacy will live on, and his significant contributions to the entertainment industry will continue to be celebrated for generations to come.