Actor Carl Weathers, known for his roles in “Predator” and “Rocky,” passes away at 76

Actor Carl Weathers Dies at 76

The‌ entertainment industry mourns‍ the loss of beloved actor Carl Weathers, renowned for ​his roles in iconic⁤ films ‍like ​“Rocky” and “Predator.” Weathers passed⁤ away at the age of 76, leaving behind a remarkable legacy.

“We are deeply ⁢saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his ⁢family said ⁢in a statement, per Deadline. “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 enjoyed ‍a successful Hollywood career spanning five decades, appearing in​ over 75 films and TV shows. His portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise propelled him to international stardom. Creed,‍ the heavyweight champion ​of the⁤ world, gave⁤ Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) a shot ‌at the title in the first film.

Weathers ‍reprised ⁢his role in “Rocky II” (1979) and “Rocky III” (1982). Tragically, his ​character met his demise in⁣ “Rocky IV” (1985) during a fateful match ‌against Russian heavyweight Ivan ‍Drago (Dolph Lundgren).

In addition to his memorable performances, Weathers also appeared as ‍golf coach⁢ Derick “Chubbs” Peterson​ in⁤ the‌ Adam Sandler comedy “Happy Gilmore.”

Sandler paid tribute to ‌the late ⁢actor with an ⁣emotional post.

“A true​ great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete,” he wrote. “So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell.⁢ Funny as hell. ⁢Loved⁣ his⁢ sons more than ⁣anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved‍ him. ⁣My wife and I had the best‌ times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl ⁣will always be known as a true ⁣legend.”

Weathers recently gained acclaim for his role as Greef Karga in the Disney+ Star Wars series “The Mandalorian,” earning him⁤ a Primetime Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.

While Lucasfilm is working on a film adaptation of the hit series titled “The Mandalorian ‍&⁢ Grogu,” it remains uncertain if Weathers was involved.

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Weathers also made notable⁢ contributions‌ to other projects,⁣ such as portraying Colonel Al Dillon ‍in “Predator” (1987)⁣ and lending his ​voice to Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise. He played Detective Beaudreaux in the television series “Street Justice” (1991–1993) and appeared as a fictionalized ⁢version of himself in the‍ comedy series “Arrested Development.”

Throughout his life, Weathers was married⁣ three times and had two sons, Jason and Matthew, ⁣with his ex-wife, Mary Ann. Prior to ⁢his acting⁣ career, he was drafted by the NFL in 1970⁣ and went on ⁢to sign with the Oakland Raiders after playing⁢ college football at San‍ Diego State University.

How did Carl Weathers’⁣ athletic background contribute to his success in action films?

1488975462048115201″>tweet, writing, “Sending love to⁢ the family of Carl Weathers. Great man, ⁢great actor. ⁣Thank you for ⁣always making ​me smile. Rest in peace, my ‌friend.”

Weathers’ presence in ​action films extended beyond the “Rocky”⁤ series. He starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in ⁢the science fiction thriller “Predator” (1987) and appeared in other notable action films such as “Action Jackson” (1988) and “Hurricane Smith” (1992).

Outside of his film career, ‍Weathers was also ‍known for his passion for sports. Prior to his acting‍ career, he played professional football as a linebacker in the National Football ⁤League (NFL) for the Oakland Raiders and⁢ the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League (CFL).

His athletic background was evident in his physically demanding roles, ​where he showcased his strength and⁢ agility. Weathers’ athleticism and charisma made him a fan-favorite in both ​the sports and entertainment worlds.

The news of ⁣Weathers’ passing has⁤ sparked an ​outpouring of tributes from fellow actors, fans, and industry professionals. Many have taken to social media to express their condolences and share their favorite memories of the late actor.

Actor and former California Governor ⁢Arnold Schwarzenegger tweeted, “Carl Weathers was a fantastic actor ⁢and a⁣ great friend. We⁢ shared many​ laughs and memories together. ​He will be deeply missed.”

Weathers’ impact​ on the entertainment industry and his portrayal of ⁣iconic characters will ‌forever be remembered. His​ death is a loss to the world of film and a reminder of the indelible mark he ⁢left on the hearts of his ⁣fans.

Though Carl Weathers is no longer⁤ with ⁢us, his legacy lives on through his body of work‌ and the impact he made on those who had⁤ the pleasure of knowing him.