(Photo via Disney⁺)
Carl Weathers (“Rocky,” “Predator,” “The Mandalorian”) died Thursday at age 76. The veteran actor died in his sleep, according to a statement from his family to Deadline. Weathers’ career spanned 80 acting roles across television and film, as well as 17 directing credits, according to IMDb. The exact cause of his death was not disclosed.
Born Jan. 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers’ first role was an uncredited appearance in “Magnum Force” in 1973. Weathers was a football player for the Oakland Raiders before retiring in 1974, after which he decided to pursue acting. After a handful of film and television roles, Weathers broke through as boxer Apollo Creed, the adversary in 1976’s “Rocky,” starring Sylvester Stallone. Weathers would return to the role in sequels, ending with “Rocky IV” in 1985. His character’s legacy continues with the “Creed” film franchise, starring Michael B. Jordan as Adonis Creed, Apollo’s son.
1987’s “Predator” was Weathers’ next big role, co-starring with Arnold Schwarzenegger. He also appeared in comedic roles, most notably “Happy Gilmore” in 1996 and “Arrested Development” from 2004-2013. Additionally, Weathers lent his voice to projects such as “Toy Story 4,” “Regular Show” and “Mortal Kombat X.” Weathers’ latest role was Greef Karga, a bounty hunter-turned-leader of the oppressed in the Disney⁺ series “The Mandalorian.” He was nominated for an Emmy in 2021 for his contribution to the series.
Many co-stars, including Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen and Pedro Pascal, have expressed their condolences for Weathers. Weathers is survived by his children, Jason and Matthew Weathers.
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