Actor Carl Weathers, known for his roles as Apollo Creed in Rocky and in Predator, passes away at 76
OAN’s James Meyers
3:08 PM – Friday, February 2, 2024
Breaking News: Legendary actor Carl Weathers, known for his roles in the Rocky films and The Mandalorian, has passed away at the age of 76.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … 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.”
Weathers’ lengthy acting career spanned over 50 years in movies and television.
He took on the iconic role of Apollo Creed in the first Rocky movie in 1976, and later starring in Rocky II (1979) as well as Rocky III (1982), before his character was killed in the ring in Rocky IV.
The Happy Gilmore actor recalled that he had accidentally insulted actor Sylvester Stallone during his first audition for “Rocky.”
“There was nobody to read with, and they said you’re going to read with the writer [Stallone],” Weathers said.
“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. So I just insulted the star of the movie without really knowing it and not intending to.”
His television included, The Shield, Street Justice, Colony, Chicago P.D., and Brothers.
Weathers told BritishGQ that he thought “charisma” was an important part of being an actor.
“And, for me, the roles that I’ve done, including Greef Karga in ‘The Mandalorian,’ there is a kind of swagger about him and I don’t know that you can manufacture that. That comes naturally, but there’s also some thought in it. There’s something about how you see the world and how you walk through the world that translates on screen, that comes across and people get and they see and they want to emulate.”
Additionally, before his acting career took off, Weathers played college football at San Diego State University, and in 1970, he signed with the Oakland Raiders. He played in eight games in the National Football League (NFL) across two seasons.
Weathers was married three times to Mary Ann Castle from 1973-1983, to Rhonda Unsell from 1984-2006, and most recently to Jennifer Peterson from 2007-2009.
He is survived by his two sons and his grandchildren.
Stay informed! Receive breaking news blasts directly to your inbox for free. Subscribe here. https://www.oann.com/alerts
From consequential fallout in the Middle East to campaign events in the Wolverine State.
Strong jobs data coincides with planned mass job cuts. Today’s January jobs report showed that 353,000 jobs were added.
The top GOP lawmaker on the Senate Homeland Security panel Senator Rand Paul explains why the CIA has so far ignored his request to disclose the results of its investigation into the origin of the COVID-19 virus.
Pressure is mounting on President Biden to take executive action to secure the Southern Border. One America’s Daniel Baldwin has more.
U.S. safety regulators have upgraded their probe into Tesla vehicles over power steering loss to an engineering analysis.
Nvidia has started taking pre-orders for a new China-specific AI chip with prices on par with a rival product from Huawei.
The Tesla chief executive and a board seen as captive to him must find a way to negotiate a replacement contract.
Qualcomm forecast fiscal second-quarter profit slightly above Wall Street estimates and sales in line with market expectations.
rnrn
How did Carl Weathers leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry?
Children.
The news of Carl Weathers’ passing has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry and fans alike. Weathers was not only known for his iconic roles in the Rocky films, where he portrayed the charismatic and determined Apollo Creed, but also for his recent role as Greef Karga in the popular Disney+ series, The Mandalorian. His talent and presence on screen will be sorely missed.
In a statement released by his family, they expressed their deep sadness at the loss of Carl Weathers. They described him as an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. His contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports have left an indelible mark that is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was not only a beloved member of his family but also a dear friend to many.
Weathers’ acting career spanned over 50 years, showcasing his versatility and talent across various mediums. Apart from his memorable roles in the Rocky series, he also appeared in popular television shows such as The Shield, Street Justice, Colony, Chicago P.D., and Brothers. His ability to bring charisma and swagger to his characters was something that came naturally to him and resonated with audiences.
Before pursuing acting, Weathers had a successful college football career at San Diego State University and even signed with the Oakland Raiders in 1970. Although his football career was cut short, he found his true calling in the world of entertainment.
Throughout his life, Weathers experienced both triumph and challenges. He was married three times, but his legacy goes beyond his personal life. His impact on the entertainment industry will be remembered for years to come.
As fans mourn the loss of this talented actor, it is important to celebrate the incredible body of work that Weathers has left behind. His performances will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for generations.
Farewell, Carl Weathers. Your talent and presence will be greatly missed, but your legacy will live on.
" Conservative News Daily does not always share or support the views and opinions expressed here; they are just those of the writer."
