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As Apollo Creed he became a global star
“Rocky” star Carl Weathers dies at 76
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Carl Weathers bei der „Star Wars Celebration“ 2023 in London
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He was the big rival of “Rocky” and starred in action hits like “Predator”. Actor Carl Weathers has died at the age of 76.
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Hollywood star Carl Weathers has died at the age of 76. His family confirmed this to the US industry portals „Deadline“ and „Variety“. Weathers died Thursday, according to his manager Matt Luber. It was said that he “fell asleep peacefully”.
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The actor is best known for playing Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” films and alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the action film “Predator”. Weathers was most recently seen in the Star Wars series “The Mandalorian.”
“We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Carl Weathers,” the actor’s family said in a statement. “Carl was an extraordinary person who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions in film, television, art and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations.”
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As Apollo Creed, Weathers became an action hero
Before becoming an actor, Weathers played for the Oakland Raiders of the NFL for several years in the 1970s. After several small film roles, he made his breakthrough in Hollywood in 1976 as boxer Apollo Creed in the first “Rocky” film alongside Sylvester Stallone – both of them also appeared in front of the camera in three sequels to the cult series.
Carl Weathers (right) and Sylvester Stallone in “Rocky”
© Quelle: picture alliance / Everett Collection
In the following years, Weathers was primarily seen in action films such as “Escape in Chains”, “Predator” and “Action Jackson”. Later, comedies also followed – in “Happy Gilmore,” for example, he taught Adam Sandler how to play golf. Weathers also appeared in numerous television series, including “Arrested Development” and “Chicago Justice.” Most recently, he appeared in all three seasons of the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian.”
A few years ago, Weathers told the German Press Agency that he was now happy that he was no longer an action hero. “These roles were great when I played them. Back then I was able to show what I was capable of physically.” However, the films limited him in terms of acting.
RND/seb/AP