Carl Weathers Dies at Age 76: Trailblazing Actor is Remembered For His "Size, Strength, & Soul"

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Carl Weathers dies at the age of 76Photo bythe author (licensed under CC BY 4.0)

On February 1st, legendary actor, most known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films, passed away at the age of 76.

His family released a statement through his agent:

“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 of now, Weathers' cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

From NFL Linebacker to Legendary Actor

Weathers played defensive end on his college’s football team, where he got a Master’s degree in theatre arts. He signed with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1970, and retired from professional football four years later, turning to acting.

His breakout role was as boxer Apollo Creed in 1976's Rocky—a role he reprised for the next three films in the franchise.

Sylvester Stallone as Rocky Balboa and Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed in a still from Rocky filmPhoto byArya Vaishnavi via hindustantimes.com

Weathers' charismatic performance alongside Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa captivated audiences and solidified his place in cinematic history. His talent and versatility as an actor were further showcased in other notable movies such as Predator and Happy Gilmore. Weathers' iconic roles will be remembered, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.

Sylvester Stallone Tells Weathers to "Keep Punching"

Sylvester Stallone remembers his "Rocky" co-star, Carl Weathers, for his "heart, soul, size, and power."

In an Instagram video, Stallone said a few words about his beloved co-star with a painting of them both from the film behind him.

"Today is an incredibly sad day for me," Stallone began. "I'm so torn up, I can't even tell you. I'm just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about him -- I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room, and I saw him for the first time, I felt greatness. But I didn't realize how great. I never could have accomplished what we did with 'Rocky' without him. He was absolutely brilliant, his voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but more importantly, his heart, his soul."

"And I'm standing here in front of this painting, because it was probably the last moment we were ever in the ring together and I'll never forget it. He was magic. And I was so fortunate to be part of his life. So Apollo, keep punching."

Arnold Schwarzenegger, a co-star of Weathers in Predator also posted to Instagram in Weathers' memory.

Carl Weathers & Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie "Predator"Photo byThe Associated Press (via Sunset Boulevard productions)

"Carl Weathers will always be a legend... An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn't have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn't have had such a wonderful time making it."

Weathers Continued Working Far into His Later Years

In recent years, Carl Weathers has continued to captivate audiences with his remarkable talent and versatile performances. One notable project that showcased his skills was his role as Greef Karga in the popular television series, The Mandalorian, in 2019.

His exceptional performance in The Mandalorian did not go unnoticed, as he received an Emmy nomination for "Outstanding Guest Actor" in a drama series. This recognition is a testament to Weathers' immense talent and the impact he made on the show.

Beyond his acting prowess, Weathers also had the opportunity to showcase his creative abilities behind the camera. He directed two episodes of The Mandalorian, further solidifying his status as a multi-talented artist.

Final Thoughts

Weathers has proven that his skills and star power continue to shine brightly in the ever-evolving landscape of the entertainment industry. And, he will be dearly missed by friends, family, and fans alike around the world.

Hey, I'm Hudson! I write about social media, marketing, and modern entrepreneurship. Hit follow for more stories like this one.