Carl Weathers’ career spanned five decades and encompassed more than 75 roles in both movies and TV. He made his debut in the mid-1970s with notable appearances in Blaxploitation films, marking the beginning of a diverse and accomplished career.
Los Angeles: Carl Weathers, the celebrated US actor renowned for his portrayal of boxer Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise, engaging in iconic and intense boxing scenes alongside Sylvester Stallone, has passed away, as announced by his family on Friday. He was 76.
Weathers, known for his roles in the 1987 film “Predator” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, and more recently in the “Star Wars” spin-off series “The Mandalorian,” garnered widespread acclaim. His performance in the latter earned him an Emmy nomination, showcasing his versatility across both film and television.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said.
“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.”
The statement provided no specific cause of death but mentioned that Carl Weathers passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday.
Weathers’ illustrious career spanned an impressive five decades, featuring over 75 notable appearances in both movies and television. He commenced his journey in the mid-1970s, making a mark with his roles in the Blaxploitation films of that era.
Younger audiences have been captivated by Carl Weathers’ portrayal of Greef Karga in the Disney+ hit “The Mandalorian.” In this role as the head of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild, Weathers skillfully brought the character to life, forging a compelling connection with lead actor Pedro Pascal throughout the course of nine episodes.
Weathers also showcased his talent in the realm of voice acting, contributing to another beloved franchise by portraying Combat Carl in the 2019 animated film “Toy Story 4.”
He earned acclaim for his performance as a golf coach in “Happy Gilmore,” where his character took on the task of mentoring Adam Sandler’s character after leaving the professional tour due to a memorable encounter with an alligator that cost him his hand.
However, it is his portrayal of the jingoistic heavyweight champion Apollo Creed, a formidable adversary for Sylvester Stallone’s gritty Rocky Balboa, that will be etched in memory. The 1976 film “Rocky,” with its intense sequels and subsequent “Creed” spin-off franchise, provided a vivid portrayal of championship boxing, blending the underdog-against-the-odds archetype with cinematic violence.
This classic film, featuring a climactic scene of blood, broken bones, and slow-motion punches, set a new standard for fight films. Not only did it win the 1977 Best Picture Oscar, but it also earned director John Avildsen a statue and garnered numerous other nominations, catapulting Stallone to movie mega-stardom. The enduring impact of “Rocky” still resonates almost half a century later.