Carl Weathers, who helped launch one of Hollywood’s most popular film franchises, passed away on Thursday. Weathers went from dishing out bone-crunching hits as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders to delivering knockout punches on the big screen as Apollo Creed, the antagonist of Sylvester Stallone’s endearing lug prizefighter in “Rocky.” He was seventy-six.
In a statement, his family said he “died peacefully in his sleep.” The reason and place of his death were not specified.
Mr. Weathers’ extensive and diverse career in acting extended well beyond the boxing ring. Throughout about 80 film and television credits, he demonstrated his range.
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He famously made fun of himself as an acting instructor on the sitcom “Arrested Development” beginning in the 2000s. He voiced Combat Carl in the animated film “Toy Story 4” and Greef Karga in the Star Wars television series “The Mandalorian” in more modern times. For his roles, he was nominated for an Emmy Award in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
Famous Roles Played by Carl Weathers
The former Oakland Raiders linebacker gained fame as Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” films. Weathers’ other credits include the sci-fi action film “Predator” (1987), the thriller “Action Jackson” (1988), and Adam Sandler’s 1996 comedy “Happy Gilmore.”
The versatile actor also played a comically created version of himself in the Netflix series “Arrested Development” and, most recently, emerged in a guest starring role as Greef Karga in Disney+’s “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian,” for which he received an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actor in drama series.
Condolences Poured on the Internet
His physique and roles were so memorable that his arm from a scene in “Predator,” which is used in the popular greeting meme for one-half, has been incorporated into his extensive and enduring legacy.
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On Friday, his co-star in the “Rocky” films, Sylvester Stallone, posted an Instagram video in which he credited Weathers with assisting him to Hollywood success. “Today is an exceptionally sorrowful day for me… Carl Weathers was a tremendous contributor to my success and my existence. I laud and commend him greatly because the moment he entered that room and I beheld him for the very first time, I perceived nothing short of grandeur. However, I failed to recognize the extent of its greatness. Without him, I could not have achieved the success that we did with ‘Rocky’.”
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The creator of “The Mandalorian,” Jon Favreau, issued the following statement: “I am profoundly saddened by this tragic loss. From the time I had the incredible good fortune to work with him, he was a childhood idol whom I had the privilege of meeting. “He possessed the vigor and inquisitiveness of a youth combined with the sagacity and experience that his illustrious life and professional trajectory bestowed upon him.”
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
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who co-starred alongside Carl Weathers in the film “Predator” and provided the opposing arm of the handshake caricature, expressed his enduring reverence for Weathers on his official website. An exceptional athlete, an outstanding performer, and an exceptional individual. With him, we could not have created Predator. Furthermore, we would not have had an enjoyable time putting it together.”