Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed From 'Rocky' Films, Dies At 76

Carl Weathers passed away peacefully in his sleep on February 1 at the age of 76.
Weathers started as a football player before starring as Apollo Creed in the first four ‘Rocky’ films.
Other credits include ‘Predator,’ ‘Street Justice,’ ‘Star Wars,’ ‘Toy Story,’ ‘Arrested Development,’ and ‘The Mandalorian.’

On February 1, actor Carl Weathers died. he was 76 when he passed away. According to statements to Variety and Deadline from his family, Weathers “died peacefully in his sleep,” after leaving “an indelible mark” on the worlds of film and sports.

A former NFL linebacker, Weathers famously starred in the role of Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa in the first four Rocky films. He also played Colonel Al Dillon in 1987’s Predator and voiced Combat Carl in the Toy Story films.

Carl Weathers is remembered by his family and fans

Carl Weathers, Raiders.

Undrafted LB, San Diego State.

What a life. What a legend. pic.twitter.com/4mgqE5FolG

— Kyle Brandt (@KyleBrandt) February 2, 2024

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” said his family in a statement. “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”

R.I.P Carl Weathers#RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/hIbx4fESzA

— Phil Jones (@PhilJonesNFL) February 2, 2024

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While Weathers is known for his prolific acting career, the sports world is also mourning the loss of a shining star. He was a defensive end for Long Beach City College. When he transferred to San Diego State, he continued to play, this time under Hall of Fame coach Don Coryell. As a linebacker, he played eight games for the Oakland Raiders. Only in ’74 did he retire from sports to more fully pursue acting.

Something he believed in

Weathers was born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Hee showed exceptional athletic prowess since he was in the eighth grade and cultivated that talent until he switched gears in favor of acting in the mid-’70s. At first, he appeared as an extra while he transitioned out of football.

Then, he found himself auditioning for the role of Apollo Creed, a task that saw him working opposite Stallone. During the audition process, Weathers criticized Stallone’s acting – it was this move that helped secure him the part, and he would reprise the role in Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), and Rocky IV (1985).

PREDATOR, Carl Weathers, 1987, TM and Copyright (c)20th Century Fox Film Corp. All rights reserved

Working on Predator saw him act alongside the future governor of California Arnold Schwarzenegger, and the future governor of Minnesota. So, years later, when he appeared on Saturday Night Live, Weathers performed a spoof skit in which he was running for political office and encouraged voters to support him because he “was the black guy in Predator.”

Most recently, Weathers took up the role of Greef Karga in Disney’s The Mandalorian, part of the Star Wars franchise. His performance earned him a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.

Rest in peace, Carl Weathers.