In a somber turn of events, the entertainment world mourns the passing of beloved actor and director Carl Weathers, a versatile performer whose career spanned iconic dramas, action films, comedies, and acclaimed television series.
Weathers, arguably best known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, passed away at the age of 76, as was confirmed by his manager Matt Luber. The news comes as a shock as Weathers had been actively posting on his X (formerly Twitter) account a day prior regarding the film Semi-Tough (1977) which starred himself and the late Burt Reynolds.
All that money spent on movie posters and advertising and Burt never corrected them, huh? Well, I’m glad you corrected everyone including me. #BePeace https://t.co/eHLcPklN49
— Carl Weathers (@TheCarlWeathers) February 1, 2024
Carl Weathers’ extensive filmography showcased his adaptability across genres, from action-packed roles in ‘Predator’ to comedic performances in films like ‘Happy Gilmore’. He also made significant contributions to television, featuring in the ‘Star Wars’ series ‘The Mandalorian’ and the cult-favorite ‘Arrested Development.
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers was not only a talented actor but also a multi-sport athlete. His diverse athletic background included boxing, football, soccer, wrestling, and gymnastics.
While attending San Diego State University on a football scholarship, he helped the Aztecs secure victory in the 1969 Pasadena Bowl. Despite his sports achievements, Weathers pursued a degree in theatre arts, signaling the early stirrings of his passion for acting.
Transitioning from professional football to the world of acting, Weathers initially secured smaller roles in blaxploitation films like ‘Bucktown’ and ‘Friday Foster’, along with appearances in TV series such as ‘Good Times’, ‘Kung Fu’, ‘Cannon’, and ‘Starsky and Hutch.’
One of Weathers’ most enduring roles was as heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ series. Despite the character’s demise in ‘Rocky IV‘, a misunderstanding with Stallone led to Weathers’ not appearing in the first ‘Creed’ film. He and Stallone eventually mended their relationship. Weathers gave his nod to use footage as Apollo in the Creed sequels as Adonis Creed’s father.
Later in his career, Weathers embraced smaller roles in TV procedurals, even directing episodes for some series. Notably, he received his first Emmy nomination in 2021 for his portrayal of Greef Karga in Disney+’s ‘The Mandalorian’. He would also direct the episodes Chapter 12: The Siege and Chapter 20: The Foundling.
Weathers’ passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues and friends. Sylvester Stallone expressed his grief on Instagram, acknowledging Weathers’ pivotal role in his successful career in Hollywood. Jon Favreau, creator of ‘The Mandalorian’, described Weathers as a hero from his childhood, praising his energy, curiosity, and wisdom.
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
Other Hollywood colleagues that shared their thoughts about working with Carl Weathers included Arnold Schwarzenegger, Adam Sandler, Ming-Na Wen, Jesse Ventura, Pedro Pascal, and Robert Rodriguez. Schwarzenegger, in particular, recalled their collaboration in ‘Predator’, hailing Weathers as “an extraordinary athlete, fantastic actor, and great person.”
Weathers’ impact extended beyond the screen, with his iconic scene with Schwarzenegger in ‘Predator’ becoming a cultural touchstone through the popular handshake meme. Touted as the most “alpha male” handshake in history, the scene shows Weathers and Schwarzenegger greeting each other with a handshake that turns into an impromptu arm-wrestling match between friends.
Carl Weathers is survived by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons.
