Hollywood mourns the loss of an iconic actor as Carl Weathers, known for his memorable roles in “Rocky,” “Predator,” and “The Mandalorian,” has passed away at the age of 76. Weathers, who portrayed the character of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” films, died peacefully at his home, his manager Matt Luber confirmed.
His family released a statement to CNN, saying, “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, he left an indelible mark and is recognized around the world and from generation to generation. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Weathers, a former football player, gained fame with his role as Apollo Creed in “Rocky,” a character inspired by Muhammad Ali. He went on to play other iconic roles in movies such as “Predator” and “Action Jackson” as well as TV shows like “Arrested Development” and “The Mandalorian,” for which he earned an Emmy nomination. Weathers had also directed episodes of popular TV series like “Law & Order” and “Hawaii Five-O.”
Before his acting career, Weathers played college football at San Diego State and briefly played professionally with the Oakland Raiders and in the Canadian Football League. He transitioned to acting in the mid-1970s and landed his breakout role in “Rocky,” leading to a successful and diverse career in film and television.
The entertainment industry and fans around the world are remembering Carl Weathers for his extraordinary talent and impactful contributions to the arts.