Carl Weathers, the beloved actor whose work includes iconic roles in the Rocky films Predator, Happy Gilmore, and more, has passed away at 76.
Like an Apollo Creed uppercut to the senses, we’ve learned that Carl Weathers, the iconic actor in the Rocky film franchise, Predator, The Mandalorian, Happy Gilmore, Action Jackson, and so much more, has passed away at 76.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers was a titan of the silver screen and television domain with over 75 credits across his 50-year career. He is best known for playing Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa’s rival-turned-friend in the Rocky film franchise. As the Master of Disaster, Apollo Creed was partly inspired by Muhammad Ali and remains the Italian Stallion’s most iconic opponent alongside Dolph Lundgren’s Ivan Drago.
As a champion of action cinema, Weathers played Colonel Al Dillon in 1987’s Predator. Attached to Major “Dutch” Schaefer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in the fight against a hostile alien game hunter, Dillon’s ability to wreck shop alongside Dutch is aspirational and the stuff of action cinema legend.
Weathers also leads the 1988 crime comedy Action Jackson. In one of the actor’s most unforgettable roles, ‘Action’ Jackson pursues a power-hungry auto magnate who eliminates his competition until he corners the market. With snappy one-liners galore and adrenaline coursing through his veins, Weathers’ performance in Action Jackson delivers heat, humor, and grandeur.
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