In a somber moment for Hollywood and fans worldwide, Carl Weathers, the iconic actor renowned for his roles in “Rocky,” “Happy Gilmore,” and “Predator,” has passed away at the age of 76.
The news of Weathers’ demise was confirmed by his grieving family, who issued a heartfelt statement through Deadline, saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He departed peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.”
Weathers’ life was nothing short of remarkable, leaving an indelible mark through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports. He was not just a beloved actor but also a cherished brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Weathers embarked on a career that spanned over five decades, delivering memorable performances in classics like “Predator,” “Happy Gilmore,” and more recently, “The Mandalorian.”
However, it was his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise that etched his name in cinematic history. He first stepped into the iconic role in 1976’s “Rocky,” reprising it in 1979’s “Rocky II” and 1982’s “Rocky III.” The character met a dramatic end in the ring, facing off against Ivan Drogo (played by Dolph Lundgren) in 1985’s “Rocky IV.”
Weathers’ journey to becoming an icon was not without its share of interesting anecdotes. During a 2015 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, he recalled a moment from his first audition for “Rocky” where he unintentionally insulted Sylvester Stallone, the film’s star.
In his own words, Weathers humorously shared, “There was nobody to read with, and they said you’re going to read with the writer [Stallone]. And we read through the scene and at the end of it, I didn’t feel like it had really sailed, that the scene had sailed, and they were quiet and there was this moment of awkwardness, I felt anyway. So I just blurted out, ‘I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with.'”
Surprisingly, instead of harming his prospects, this remark worked in his favor as Stallone thought it was something Apollo Creed would say, eventually leading to his casting.
Years later, Weathers’ legacy as Apollo Creed continues with Michael B. Jordan taking on the role of Adonis Creed, Apollo’s son, in the acclaimed “Creed” series. The franchise is rumored to have a fourth installment in development.
Weathers’ versatile career extended beyond the big screen, with notable contributions to animated classics like voicing Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise and portraying a fictionalized version of himself on “Arrested Development.”
In the realm of television, Weathers graced audiences with his presence on shows like “The Shield,” “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “Brothers.” His portrayal of Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian” earned him an Emmy nomination in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
Before his acting career soared, Weathers played professional football for the Oakland Raiders after signing as a free agent in 1970. His life took an unexpected turn as he transitioned into acting, but he remained proud of his football background.
Reflecting on his time in the “Rocky” movies, he shared with British GQ in 2020, “It was hard to escape taking punches on set. There were times when we intentionally went at each other. I was always concerned that if I hit Sly, threw a punch right, it might hurt. And there was no reason for that. And I think he was pretty much the same way. But there were times when we did get hit … So there were moments like that, of course. But none of it was intentional unless it was supposed to be intentional.”
In the digital age, Weathers remained connected with fans, using social media to praise Michael B. Jordan’s performance in “Creed” and sharing insights about his craft.
In his personal life, Weathers was married three times, leaving behind two sons, Jason and Matthew, from his first marriage to Mary Ann Castle, and grandchildren. More recently, he was frequently seen at events alongside his longtime partner, Christine Kludjian.
As we bid farewell to Carl Weathers, we remember not only the charismatic actor but also the indomitable spirit that made him a true legend. His swagger on and off-screen will forever be celebrated, and his impact on the world of entertainment will resonate for generations to come.
