Hollywood Actor Carl Weathers Dies at 76

Former NFL linebacker turned Hollywood action movie and comedy star, Carl Weathers, passed away at the age of 76. Weathers, known for his role as Apollo Creed in the iconic ‘Rocky’ movies, as well as his appearances in ‘Predator‘ and ‘Happy Gilmore,’ died peacefully in his sleep, according to his family.

Weathers carved a successful career in Hollywood, with his portrayal of Apollo Creed being one of his most recognized roles. He spoke about the impact of the character, stating that it put him on the map and propelled his career forward. While Creed met his demise in ‘Rocky IV,’ Weathers continued to make a mark in the entertainment industry.

Most recently, fans enjoyed Weathers’ performance in the hit Disney+ series ‘The Mandalorian,’ where he appeared in all three seasons. His portrayal of Apollo Creed has become an integral part of his legacy.

Aside from ‘Rocky,’ Weathers showcased his talents in other notable films such as ‘Predator,’ where he shared the screen with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and ‘Action Jackson,’ a blaxploitation flick released in 1988. He also left a lasting impression in the comedy classic ‘Happy Gilmore’ alongside Adam Sandler, playing a golf pro with a false wooden hand.

In addition to his film roles, Weathers had successful stints in television. He appeared in the critically acclaimed show ‘Arrested Development’ and had a lead role in the short-lived series ‘Chicago Justice,’ created by Dick Wolf.

Weathers’ inspiring journey started with his love for acting, which began in grade school. He later pursued athletics in high school and college, playing football at San Diego State University and briefly in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders. Despite his success in football, Weathers eventually returned to his passion for acting, studying theater and earning a degree in drama.

Throughout his career, Weathers always looked up to actors like Sidney Poitier and admired athletes like Muhammad Ali, who broke barriers and paved the way for others. He considered himself fortunate to have followed in their footsteps and hoped to inspire future generations in the same manner.