Not Apollo Creed…
Beloved actor Carl Weathers, who starred in a multitude of classic movies and TV shows, has died at the age of 76, his family has announced.
They released a statement following Weathers’ death, saying:
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. 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.”
Legendary actor Carl Weathers, star of The Mandalorian, the Rocky franchise, Predator, and many, many more movies and TV shows has died at 76. pic.twitter.com/xqANNvs8yV
— IGN (@IGN) February 2, 2024
Carl Weathers acting credits look instead like a “Cinema’s greatest hits” list. The talented and beloved actor starred in the first four Rocky films, as well as Predator, Happy Gilmore and Action Jackson, among other films.
He also played characters in a number of critically acclaimed TV shows, including Arrested Development and most recently The Mandalorian.
All in all, Weathers appeared in more than 75 movies and TV shows across an acting career that spanned across five decades. The actor had a number of instantly recognizable roles during his years in show business, with characters like “Chubbs” in Happy Gilmore and “Dillon” in Predator, starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
But most will know Weathers from his iconic role in the Rocky franchise as Apollo Creed. He appeared in the first four Rocky films, always giving Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa a run for his money, and tragically died in the ring during the fourth installment when Creed faced off against Ivan Drago (played by Dolph Lundgren).
Carl Weathers may be gone, but he’ll live on in all of the memorable roles he leaves behind. There have already been plenty of tributes online from fans of Weathers, celebrating his life and the characters that meant so much to so many.
RIP Carl Weathers: pic.twitter.com/52TqaOZGO4
— philip lewis (@Phil_Lewis_) February 2, 2024
rip carl weathers 🙏🏻 pic.twitter.com/FsrgkwTLhR
— kev mahserejian (@RotoSurgeon) February 2, 2024
RIP CARL WEATHERS. Lots of great roles but his exit in PREDATOR is especially memorable.pic.twitter.com/k7JknH0Gjj
— All The Right Movies (@ATRightMovies) February 2, 2024
RIP Carl Weathers. Find your Happy Place. pic.twitter.com/fVdS8rWlTP
— Chris Vannini (@ChrisVannini) February 2, 2024
And you may have noticed that Carl Weathers was set to star alongside Rob Gronkowski in a Super Bowl commercial this year on behalf of FanDuel. A teaser for the advertising spot had already been released, and is included below.
However, FanDuel released a statement after learning of Weathers’ passing, which suggests that their Super Bowl commercial could be modified ahead of its airing during the “Big Game.”
“We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Carl Weathers. Throughout his life, Carl was an iconic talent who had a profound impact on the people he worked with on and off the screen.
FanDuel was fortunate to have had an opportunity to work with him during our Super Bowl campaign. We are adjusting our campaign accordingly out of respect for the family during their time of grief.”
Carl Weathers literally in the FanDuel Gronk commercial right now 😔 pic.twitter.com/itMUWAttG7
— CHRIS FOXX (@FoxxFiles) February 2, 2024
