‘Rocky’ Star Passes Away Unexpectedly At 76

Carl Weathers, best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” series, passed away on Thursday according to a statement from his family. He was 76 years old.

In a heartfelt statement, his family expressed their profound sorrow: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life.

“His legacy in film, television, the arts, and sports has made an indelible mark, earning recognition and admiration worldwide and across generations. He was dearly loved as a brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”

Weathers was an actor and former professional football player best known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” series of movies. Born in 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Weathers pursued an athletic career before moving into acting. He played football at San Diego State University and went on to play professionally in the National Football League (NFL) for the Oakland Raiders and in the Canadian Football League (CFL) for the B.C. Lions.

After his sports career, Weathers turned to acting, where he achieved his breakout role as Apollo Creed, the charismatic and powerful boxing rival-turned-friend of Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone, in the “Rocky” films. His performance in the films was widely acclaimed and helped to establish him as a notable figure in Hollywood.

Beyond the “Rocky” series, Carl Weathers starred in a variety of other films and television shows. He appeared in action films such as “Predator” (1987), alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, and “Action Jackson” (1988), where he played the title character.

Weathers also took roles in television, including a recurring role on the comedy series “Arrested Development” as a semi-parodic version of himself, and more recently, he was involved in the “Star Wars” universe, appearing in the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” as Greef Karga, a character who is a leader of a bounty hunter guild.

Weathers also worked as a director, including directing episodes of television series. His career spanned several decades, showcasing his versatility as an actor and his ability to take on diverse roles across different genres.