American Actor And Director Carl Weathers Dies at 76

Carl Weathers, the American actor who portrayed boxer Apollo Creed in the 'Rocky,' passed away on Thursday

American actor and director Carl Weathers, who became well-known for portraying the energetic and dynamic boxer Apollo Creed in ‘Rocky,’ passed away on Thursday from an unknown illness. The 76-year-old actor also starred in Adam Sandler’s Happy Gilmore and Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Predator. The former athlete-turned-actor played humour and action roles in shows like Arrested Development and The Mandalorian, where he starred in all three seasons of the popular Disney+ series.

Carl Weathers’ manager confirmed the news and said, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep,” on Friday. The statement said he had passed away peacefully on Thursday night while sleeping, without giving a cause of death. “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,” as per Deadline.

He starred in over 75 movies and TV series during the course of his more than 50-year Hollywood career, according to Deadline. Weathers, who was born in New Orleans in 1948, studied theatre acting while playing football at San Diego State University before signing with the Oakland Raiders in 1970.

Dolph Lundgren And Michael B Jordan’s Tribute to Carl Weathers

Hollywood stars Dolph Lundgren and Michael B Jordan paid a heartfelt tribute to the ‘Rocky‘ actor Carl Weathers. ‘Rocky IV’ actor Dolph Lundgren shared a statement about costarring with Weathers in the 1985 film. As per PEOPLE, “I was saddened to hear the news this morning. Along with the world, I will miss Carl. He was a great actor, a terrific athlete and a good friend. I cherish many special memories of Carl, both professionally and personally. Like Apollo Creed, he had that special charm that always brought a smile to your face, ” said the actor who played boxer Captain Ivan Drago.

Also, actor Michael B. Jordan, who played Apollo’s son Adonis ‘Donnie’ Creed in 2015’s sequel Creed, shared a tribute to the man who played his onscreen father. Jordan shared a picture of Weathers on his Instagram story and captioned it, “We lost a legend.

Weathers, who has been married and divorced three times, leaves behind two children, Matthew and Jason. Weathers was called a ‘beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend’ in a statement issued by his management.

(With ANI inputs)