Renowned Actor Carl Weathers Passes Away at 76: A Tribute to His Remarkable Legacy
In a solemn announcement, Carl Weathers, best known for his iconic portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” film series and a prolific career spanning numerous movies and TV shows, has Passed away at the age of 76, a fact verified by his manager, Matt Luber. The actor, who brought unforgettable characters to life, including roles in “Predator” and “The Mandalorian,” reportedly passed away peacefully at his home on Thursday. The reason for his demise has not been revealed.
Weathers, a former football player with no boxing background before his breakthrough in “Rocky,” auditioned for the role alongside Sylvester Stallone, unaware that Stallone was not only the writer but also the star of the film. Recalling the audition in a 2015 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Weathers humorously mentioned a desire for a “real actor” to work with after feeling dissatisfied with the initial reading.
The character of Apollo Creed, clearly inspired by Muhammad Ali, propelled Weathers into the spotlight, leading to roles that capitalized on his imposing physicality, such as the sci-fi action film “Predator” in 1987, alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. Despite some setbacks, including the poorly received “Action Jackson” in 1988, Weathers continued to diversify his roles, contributing to projects like “Happy Gilmore,” “Arrested Development,” and voicing Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise.
In recent years, Weathers earned acclaim for his role in the “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian” on Disney+, even receiving an Emmy nomination for his guest appearance in a drama. Notably, he also directed episodes for various TV series, showcasing his versatility in the entertainment industry.
Born in New Orleans, Weathers transitioned from a football career to acting in the mid-1970s, earning roles in blaxploitation films before his breakthrough with “Rocky.” Survived by two sons and having been married three times, Weathers leaves behind a lasting legacy.
The news of Weathers’ passing has triggered an outpouring of grief and tributes from his colleagues. Pedro Pascal, his co-star in “The Mandalorian,” expressed his loss on Instagram, noting that “words fail” to capture the impact. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Weathers’ co-star in “Predator,” reminisced about the joy of working with him, emphasizing the profound friendship they shared. Adam Sandler, posting a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, described Weathers as a “true great man” – a sentiment echoed by many who had the privilege of knowing him.
Sylvester Stallone, visibly shaken by the news, shared a poignant video on Instagram, expressing being “torn up” by Weathers’ loss. Stallone credited Weathers as an integral part of his life and success, emphasizing the brilliance of Weathers’ voice, size, power, athletic ability, and, most importantly, his heart and soul. As Stallone stood in front of a painting depicting a shared scene from the “Rocky” series, he reflected on the fortune of being part of Weathers’ life, highlighting the indelible moments they shared both on and off-screen.
