Apollo Creed No More: Hollywood Mourns the Loss of Carl Weathers

Matt Luber, the manager of Carl Weathers, renowned for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” series and featuring in various films and TV shows, has confirmed the actor’s passing at the age of 76.

Originally a former football player with no boxing experience, Weathers secured the role of Apollo Creed in the first “Rocky” film and its subsequent sequels. In a 2015 interview, Weathers shared his audition experience with Sylvester Stallone, unaware that Stallone was both the film’s writer and star. Despite initial uncertainties, he went on to play the iconic character inspired by Muhammad Ali.

According to Luber, Weathers “died peacefully at home” on Thursday. The cause of death has not been disclosed. In a statement provided, Weathers’ family expressed their sentiments, describing him as an extraordinary individual who made a lasting impact through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports. They remembered him as a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend. Having been married three times, Carl Weathers leaves behind a legacy and is survived by two sons.

Expanding beyond “Rocky,” Weathers capitalized on his physical presence, starring in the 1987 sci-fi action film “Predator” alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. The following year, he took on the role of a Detroit cop in the less favorably received “Action Jackson.”

Weathers diversified his roles, featuring in the Adam Sandler comedy “Happy Gilmore,” TV movies like “In the Heat of the Night,” the series “Arrested Development,” and lending his voice to Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise. 

More recently, he gained acclaim for his supporting role in the Disney+ “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian,” earning an Emmy nomination as a guest actor in a drama. He also ventured into directing, overseeing episodes of various TV series, including “Chicago Med,” “Law & Order,” and “Hawaii Five-O.”

By-Hilary Nwachukwu