Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed in the Rocky films, has died at the age of 76.
The actor, who also starred in the 1987 film «Predator» starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and the Adam Sandler comedy «Happy Gilmore,» died peacefully in his sleep, his family said Friday.
«We are deeply deeply are saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement.
“He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1, 2024.”
The statement added: “Carl was an exceptional man who lived an extraordinary life.
“Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sport, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized throughout the world and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.»
Weathers with Adam Sandler in the 1996 film Lucky Man Gilmore»
Weathers got his big screen break in 1976 when he was cast as the ally-turned Creed against Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa in the boxing franchise.
His introduction to the iconic franchise wasn't off to an auspicious start as he later admitted.
Auditing with Stallone, the writer and leading man but a relative unknown at the time, Weathers said he read the scene but felt it missed the mark.
“I could do a lot better if you took me. a real actor to work with,” he recalls saying in an interview with Hollywood Reporters.
“So I just insulted the star of the film, without knowing it or wanting to.” He also lied about having boxing experience.
His character of Creed was loosely based on boxers Muhammad Ali, Jack Johnson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Joe Louis.
Carl Weathers (right) with James Brown in Rocky IV in 1985. Photo: United Artists/The Hollywood Archive/Avalon
“It puts you on the map and makes your career, so to speak,” he said of the role in a 2017 interview with The Daily Beast.
“ But this is a one-time case, so something needs to be added after it. Luckily, those movies kept coming out and Apollo Creed became more and more in people's minds and a welcome guest in their lives, and it was just the right guy at the right time.»
Weathers has also found success on the small screen. , with roles in Arrested Development and playing Greef Karga in Disney's The Mandalorian, for which he received a 2021 Emmy nomination. He also voiced Fighting Carl in the Toy Story franchise.
Before his decades-long career in Hollywood, Weathers' career took off, Weathers found success as an American football player, playing for San Diego State University while a college student. and then professionally with the Oakland Raiders.
Among his idols, he named actors Sidney Poitier and Harry Belafonte, as well as athletes Jim Brown and Ali — stars who overcame stereotypes and racial barriers.
“There were so many people before me that I admired and whose success I wanted to emulate, and they just kind of blew the audience away. the benchmarks they achieved in terms of success that paved the path that I was able to follow and ultimately achieve success. And hopefully I can inspire somebody else to do a good job,” he told The Detroit News in 2023. «I guess I'm just lucky.»
Growing up in New Orleans, Weathers began his career. performed in plays as a child.
In high school, athletics led him down a different path, but he reconnected with his first love later when he retired from professional American football in 1974.
Weathers is survived by two sons.
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