He was also in movies like ‘Predator’ and ‘Happy Gilmore’
“Rocky” star Carl Weathers has passed away, as confirmed by a statement from his family. The actor was 76.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement. “He peacefully departed 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 portrayed Apollo Creed in the initial four films of the “Rocky” series. Additionally, he starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and shared the screen with Adam Sandler in “Happy Gilmore.” In 2021, Weathers earned an Emmy Award nomination for his role in the Disney+ “Star Wars” television series, “The Mandalorian.”
Weathers made his debut as the self-assured, undisputed heavyweight world champion in the 1976 film “Rocky,” alongside Sylvester Stallone. The actor returned to portray Creed in “Rocky II” (1979), “Rocky III” (1982), and “Rocky IV” (1985).
In the fourth installment of the franchise, Creed tragically passed away in the ring while facing Soviet Union champion Ivan Drago, portrayed by Dolph Lundgren. Following Creed’s demise, his son, Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan), took the lead in his boxing trilogy, commencing in 2015.
On Friday, Sylvester Stallone posted an emotional tribute to Carl Weathers on Instagram. The three-time Academy Award nominee shared a video with the caption, “We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keep punching.”
In the video, Stallone was shown standing in front of a painting illustrating a fight between Rocky and Creed.
“Hello, everyone. Today is an incredibly sad day for me,” Stallone said at the beginning of the clip.
He continued, “Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it. I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room, and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness, but I didn’t realize how great.”
“I never could have accomplished what we did with ‘Rocky’ without him. He was brilliant. His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but more importantly, his heart, his soul. It’s a horrible loss,” Stallone expressed.
Stallone noted that the painting behind him captured one of the last moments they were in the ring together, adding, “I’ll never forget it.”
“He was magic. And I was so fortunate to be part of his life. So, Apollo, keep punching,” he concluded.
After securing his breakthrough role as Creed, Weathers went on to headline the 1987 science fiction action film “Predator” alongside Schwarzenegger, who would later become the governor of California, and former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura, who subsequently served as the governor of Minnesota.
Schwarzenegger paid tribute to his late co-star in a post he shared on Instagram Friday. He posted a slideshow featuring three photos of himself with Weathers in “Predator,” writing, “Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person.”
He continued, “We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. Every minute with him – on set and off – was pure joy. He was the type of friend who pushes you to be your best just to keep up with him.”
“I’ll miss him, and my thoughts are with his family.”