Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed from Rocky movies, dies aged 76
According to his family, US actor Carl Weathers has passed away at the age of 76.
Weathers, known for portraying Apollo Creed in the initial four Rocky films, peacefully passed away in his sleep, as per a statement issued by his family.
His cinematic repertoire includes notable roles in Predator alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore.
Starting his career as an NFL linebacker, Weathers was described by his family as an exceptional individual who lived an extraordinary life, leaving an enduring impact through his contributions to film, television, arts, and sports, recognized globally and across generations.
Described as a cherished brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend, Weathers showcased versatility in both action and comedy genres, appearing in productions from Arrested Development to The Mandalorian, where he featured throughout all three seasons of the popular Disney+ series.
Former co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute, acknowledging Weathers’ legendary status as an athlete, actor, and person, emphasizing his pivotal role in films like Predator and the enjoyment they shared while working together.
Born in 1948 in New Orleans, Weathers embarked on a football career at San Diego State University before joining the Oakland Raiders in 1970. Over his 50-year Hollywood tenure, he amassed over 75 film and TV credits, including an Emmy nomination in 2021 for his performance in The Mandalorian. Weathers also directed episodes of The Mandalorian, along with Law & Order and Chicago Med.
His filmography extends to works such as Action Jackson, Close Encounters of the Third Kind, Eight Crazy Nights, Little Nicky, and the Toy Story franchise.
Adam Sandler honored Weathers on social media, recognizing him as a great man, father, actor, and athlete.
“What a guy!! Everyone loved him,” he wrote. “Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”
Breaking Bad actor Giancarlo Esposito said: “I will sorely miss my dear friend & brother Carl Weathers. You are truly one of the most wonderful human beings I have had the honor & pleasure of spending time with!”
In a video posted on Instagram, fellow Rocky star Sylvester Stallone said Weathers was “an integral part of my life, my success… I give him incredible credit”.
“I never could have accomplished what we did with Rocky without him. He was absolutely brilliant,” Stallone added in an emotional tribute.
In an interview with the Detroit News last year, Weathers called himself a “lucky guy”.
Some so many people came before me who I admired and whose success I wanted to emulate, and just kind of hit the benchmarks they hit in terms of success, who created a pathway that I’ve been able to walk and find success as a result,” he said. “And hopefully I can inspire someone else to do good work as well.”
“I guess I’m just a lucky guy.”
