American actor Carl Weathers, famous for portraying Apollo Creed in the iconic ‘Rocky’ film series, has passed away at the age of 76. The sad news of Weathers’ demise was announced by his family on Friday.
Having started his career with appearances in blaxploitation movies and minor roles in popular TV shows like “Good Times,” “Kung Fu,” and “Starsky and Hutch,” Weathers received his breakthrough when he landed the role of Creed in the first “Rocky” film. This critically acclaimed movie went on to win an Academy Award for Best Picture.
Weathers perfectly embodied the flashy and arrogant world champion Creed, who stood in stark contrast to Sylvester Stallone’s determined underdog character, Rocky Balboa. Reflecting on his casting, Weathers shared an intriguing anecdote during an interview with The Hollywood Reporter in 2015.
“There was nobody to read with, and they said you’re going to read with the writer [Stallone],” Weathers said. “And we read through the scene and at the end of it, I didn’t feel like it had really sailed, that the scene had sailed, and they were quiet and there was this moment of awkwardness, I felt, anyway. So I just blurted out, ‘I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with,'” he says, laughing. “So I just insulted the star of the movie without really knowing it and not intending to.”
Weathers would appear in several other installments of the Rocky franchise before his character was killed off in Rocky IV by Ivan Drago.
“Today is an incredibly sad day for me, I’m so torn up, I can’t even tell you,” Stallone said in a video posted to his Instagram. “Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life and 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.”
Weathers, known for his notable roles in the Rocky films, also made a significant impact in the world of film and television. Apart from his memorable performances in Predator, Happy Gilmore, Toy Story 4, and The Mandalorian, he has showcased his versatility as an actor.
However, before his successful acting career, Weathers excelled as an athlete in various sports. He began his journey by playing college football at Long Beach City College and later transferred to San Diego State University. In 1970, Weathers joined the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent, where he played as a linebacker. During his rookie season, he participated in seven games, contributing to the Raiders’ triumph in the AFC West division. Unfortunately, he was released after playing in just one game the following season.
Weathers continued his football career in the Canadian Football League for three seasons before ultimately retiring from the sport in 1974. His transition from a successful athlete to a renowned actor is a testament to his determination and talent.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” Weathers’ family said in a statement. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, Feb. 1, 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.”
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