Renowned for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series, Carl Weathers has passed away at 76. His family officially confirmed his demise in a statement to Deadline on Friday, February 2.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the news of Carl Weathers’ passing,” expressed the Weathers family. “He peacefully departed in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. Carl was an extraordinary individual who led a remarkable life. His contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports have left an enduring impact, earning recognition globally and spanning generations. He was dearly loved as a brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
With a career spanning over five decades, Carl Weathers graced the screens in a multitude of well-known movies and television series. He notably portrayed the heavyweight champion Apollo Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone in the initial four Rocky films, released between 1976 and 1985. His character met his demise in Rocky IV. Absent from the Creed films, which featured Michael B. Jordan as Apollo’s son, Adonis Creed, Carl left an enduring legacy in the world of cinema.
Among Carl’s notable film roles were performances in Predator, Action Jackson, and Happy Gilmore. His voice graced animated movies such as Eight Crazy Nights and Toy Story 4. In the realm of television, he held prominent roles in Street Justice and In the Heat of the Night. Carl portrayed a fictionalized version of himself in four episodes of Arrested Development. Additionally, he took on the role of Greef Karga in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian, earning a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2021. Carl further showcased his talent by directing two episodes of the show.
Prior to embarking on his acting career, Carl excelled as a football player, serving as a linebacker at San Diego State University. Despite not being drafted in the 1970 NFL Draft, he secured a deal with the Las Vegas Raiders (then known as the Oakland Raiders). Subsequently, from 1971 to 1973, Carl played for the Canadian Football League team, the B.C. Lions.
Carl underwent three marriages, each ending in divorce. His first marriage was with Mary Ann Castle, spanning from 1973 to 1983. He then married Rhona Unsell, a union that lasted from 1984 to 2006. Lastly, Carl was married to Jennifer Peterson from 2007 to 2009. He fathered two sons with his first wife.
