Legendary ‘Rocky’ Star Carl Weathers Passes Away at 76: A Life Remembered
In an exclusive revelation by The Blast, it has been disclosed through Carl Weathers’ death certificate that the iconic ‘Rocky’ star breathed his last inside his residence in Venice, California. The celebrated actor, renowned for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ film series, succumbed to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at 12:18 am on February 2.
Weathers, with an illustrious career spanning 51 years in the entertainment industry, was officially divorced at the time of his demise. The document also revealed that his son, Matthew Weathers, informed authorities of his father’s passing.
The death certificate detailed Weathers’ prolonged struggle with heart disease, citing it as the primary cause of his death. Investigators deemed the manner of his passing as “natural.” The actor was cremated, and his ashes were taken home by his grieving family.
The heart-wrenching news of Weathers’ peaceful departure was confirmed by his family in a statement: “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.”
Remembered as an exceptional human being who left an indelible mark across film, television, arts, and sports, Weathers’ legacy extends beyond generations. His family referred to him as a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.
Originating from a professional football career in the 1970s, Weathers found his acting breakthrough in the role of Apollo Creed. His versatile career included over 75 films and TV shows, with a significant presence in the ‘Rocky’ series alongside Sylvester Stallone. Later in his career, he gained recognition for his role in the Disney+ hit series “The Mandalorian.”
The news of Weathers’ demise led to an outpouring of grief from fans, who fondly recalled his memorable performances. Social media platforms became a space for heartfelt tributes, with one fan expressing, “RIP CARL WEATHERS. Lots of great roles but his exit in PREDATOR is especially memorable.”
Despite his passing, Weathers will make a posthumous appearance in a commercial set to air during the upcoming Super Bowl. The online sports-betting company FanDuel, with whom Weathers had an association, confirmed that the family supported the decision to retain his presence in the ad. The company, however, expressed sensitivity to the situation, making appropriate edits to the content in light of the actor’s untimely death.
‘Rocky’ star Carl Weathers’ official cause of death revealed https://t.co/GVsyLv2v2o pic.twitter.com/KL4xq0F4bM
— New York Post (@nypost) February 10, 2024
FanDuel’s executive vice president of marketing, Andrew Sneyd, reflected on working with Weathers, stating, “He’s a wonderful man and he genuinely is an inspiration and had such a positive outlook on the world. We want to make sure we try to meet this moment with the respect it deserves.”