Known infamously for his role in Apollo Creed, Carl Weathers leaves behind a legacy that his fans will always remember.
Movies such as “Rocky,” “Rocky I,” “Rocky II,” “Rocky III,” “Rocky IV,” “Predator,” “Happy Gilmore,” and “Action Jackson” are just a few of the films Weathers appeared in. Apart from his acting career, Weathers was also a director and a football linebacker, showcasing his versatility.
Born on January 14, 1984, and passed on Feb. 1 to his longtime battle with heart disease. According to NBC News, “Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” they said. “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.”
Carl Weathers is survived by his sons, Matthew and Jason, whom he shared with his first wife, Mary Ann.
During his college days, Weathers began his career playing for Long Beach City College but suffered an ankle injury during practice. Undeterred, he continued his journey, attending San Diego State and eventually being drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1970. After playing a few games as a linebacker, Weathers retired to pursue his acting career.
Ascending the ranks in the acting scene, Weathers started as an extra in movies and eventually auditioned for and landed the role of Apollo Creed, kickstarting his prominent presence in the “Rocky” film series.
Throughout his 76 years of living, Weathers accomplished a lot. He was nominated for an Emmy in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor for the recurring role of Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian.”
Following the news of his passing, social media platforms were flooded with tributes, memorials, kind words, and pictures celebrating Weathers as a loving person and a talented actor.
Sylvester Stallone, a close associate of Weathers both on and off camera, shared a heartfelt tribute on Instagram, writing, “Today is an incredibly sad day for me. … I’m just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it.
“I never could have accomplished what we did with ‘Rocky’ without him. He was absolutely brilliant. His voice. His size. His power. His athletic ability. But more importantly, his heart — his soul.” Stallone concluded, “It’s a horrible loss.”