Iconic Actor Carl Weathers, Known for ‘Rocky’ and ‘Mandalorian,’ Passes Away at 76
Renowned actor Carl Weathers, famed for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” films alongside Sylvester Stallone, has passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his manager Matt Luber to Variety on Thursday.
Weathers, whose career spanned across various genres, achieved recognition for his roles in films such as the 1987 classic “Predator” and his memorable appearance in Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore.” Notably, he earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his contribution to the “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian.”
In addition to his on-screen work, Weathers lent his voice to the character Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4” and portrayed a fictionalized version of himself in a recurring role on the TV series “Arrested Development.” His diverse credits include appearances in TV shows like “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “The Shield,” “Chicago Justice,” and “Brothers,” along with notable film roles in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Death Hunt,” and “The Comebacks.”
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers initially pursued a career in sports, excelling in boxing, football, soccer, wrestling, and gymnastics. While attending San Diego State University, he played college football and contributed to the Aztecs’ victory in the 1969 Pasadena Bowl. Despite his athletic pursuits, Weathers also pursued a degree in theatre arts. His journey in acting commenced with small roles in blaxploitation movies and TV series like “Good Times,” “Kung Fu,” “Cannon,” and “Starsky and Hutch.”
Weathers gained prominence with his role as Colonel Al Dillon in the blockbuster “Predator” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura. His career saw a unique moment when he hosted “Saturday Night Live” in 1988 and later returned for a spoof segment, humorously announcing his political ambitions based on being “the Black guy in ‘Predator.'”
Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. pic.twitter.com/q4CWVVeyTK
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 2, 2024
In the later stages of his career, Weathers became known for directing episodes of TV procedurals. His collaboration with Sylvester Stallone faced a brief hurdle when he declined permission to use earlier “Rocky” footage for the sixth installment, “Rocky Balboa.” However, they reconciled, and Weathers later allowed the use of his likeness in the “Creed” sequel series.
Notably, Weathers earned his first Emmy nomination in 2021 for his role in the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian,” where he played Greef Karga and directed episodes of the “Star Wars” spinoff.
Survived by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons, Carl Weathers leaves behind a legacy of multifaceted contributions to the entertainment industry, from iconic film roles to his impactful presence in television.
Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. pic.twitter.com/q4CWVVeyTK
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 2, 2024