Legendary actor Carl Weathers, best known for starring as Apollo Creed in the iconic Rocky film franchise among other major roles across Predator, Star Wars, and more, passed away at 76. According to his family, he died in his sleep.
The family statement reads, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers…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.”
Prior to acting, Weathers was a successful athlete. He played football in college as a defensive end, starting his career in 1966 at Long Beach City College and then at San Diego State University. Eventually, he signed with the Oakland Raiders of the NFL.
Weathers made his first big debut in movies when he landed the role of Creed in Rocky (1976) and continued portraying the character in three additional entries of the Rocky series. He also scored parts in Predator (1987), Happy Gilmore (1996), and more recently on the silver screen in The Mandalorian (2019), receiving an Emmy nomination in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor for the role of Greef Karga.
Hollywood paid major tribute to the legacy of Weathers after his passing was announced, including from one of his greatest colleagues, Sylvester Stallone.
Stallone, who grew into a household name thanks to the success of Rocky, a film franchise in which he played the titular character, said he owed much of its success to the talent of Weathers.
“Today is an incredibly sad day for me. … I’m so torn up, I can’t even tell you. 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 give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room, and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn’t realize how great. 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 then stopped, breathed heavily and said: “It’s a horrible loss.”
“I’m standing here in front of this painting because it was probably the last moment we were ever in the ring together. And I’ll never forget. He was magic. And I was so fortunate to be part of his life,” Stallone said.
“So, Apollo,” Stallone raised his right fist and shook it before dropping it to his side. He then again raised that fist and shook it.
“Keep punching,” Stallone said, his voice cracking.