BREAKING: Actor , who played Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies and also starred in “Predator” and “The Mandalorian,” has died at 76 — rest in peace to an icon 💔😢 Check the comments to read more:
Carl Weathers, renowned for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, has passed away at the age of 76.
The esteemed actor was celebrated for his performances in Predator, Happy Gilmore, and The Mandalorian. His family has confirmed his peaceful passing in his sleep on February 1st.
The family’s statement, as reported by Deadline, expresses, “Carl was an exceptional individual who led a remarkable life. His contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports have left an enduring impact, resonating worldwide and across generations. He was cherished as a brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Carl Weathers, born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, initially pursued athletics before venturing into acting. At San Diego State University, he excelled in football, aiding the Aztecs in securing victory at the Pasadena Bowl in 1969. Following the draft, he joined the Oakland Raiders as a free agent, participating in 7 games and aiding in clinching the AFC West Division title. Upon his release in 1971, he continued his football career in the Canadian Football League.
Simultaneously, he pursued degrees in drama, eventually retiring from football in 1974 to embark on an acting career. His significant breakthrough occurred with the 1976 film Rocky, where he portrayed Apollo Creed, the larger-than-life heavyweight champion who sparred with Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa.
Interestingly, Weathers secured the role even after inadvertently criticizing the star’s acting abilities during his audition. Reflecting on the experience with the Hollywood Reporter, he recalled, “I just blurted out, ‘I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with,’ while reading with Stallone. So, I unintentionally insulted the star of the movie without realizing it.”
Rocky soared to unprecedented success, becoming the top-grossing film of its year and securing a coveted Best Picture Oscar. It marked a defining moment for Weathers, who delivered an unforgettable performance in his most iconic role.
He reprised the role of Creed in the initial trio of Rocky sequels before his character met a tragic end. Nonetheless, the indelible imprint of Creed endures, particularly in the acclaimed spin-off series Creed, which centers on Apollo’s son, Adonis, portrayed by the talented Michael B. Jordan.
READ MORE: Burt Young, renowned for his portrayal of Paulie in the ‘Rocky’ movies, passes away at 83: Stallone pays homage to an “extraordinary man and artist”
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Weathers shared the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 iconic film Predator, cementing his status as an action star. He took the lead in action-packed features such as Action Jackson in 1988 and Hurricane Smith.
In a memorable role, he portrayed the golf coach of Adam Sandler’s character in the 1996 comedy Happy Gilmore. During the film’s production, a stunt fall resulted in the fracture of two of Weathers’ vertebrae, causing him persistent pain for years.
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On television, he gained acclaim for his roles in series such as Street Justice, and he made notable guest appearances on The Shield and Arrested Development — in the latter, portraying a humorous version of himself as a frugal acting coach.
In his later career, Weathers became synonymous with his portrayal of Greef Karga, the leader of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild, in the popular Star Wars TV series, The Mandalorian. Additionally, he showcased his talent behind the camera by directing two episodes of the series. Weathers’ portrayal earned him an Emmy Awards nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. He often referred to the role as “one of the greatest things that’s happened in all of the years that I’ve been in entertainment.”
His final cinematic appearance was voicing Combat Carl in Toy Story 4.
Let us remember and honor the legacy of the remarkable Carl Weathers, whose performances, from his iconic role as Apollo Creed in Rocky to his memorable stint in The Mandalorian, will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations to come. 💔
