Carl Weathers, known for his iconic role as Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” movies with Sylvester Stallone, passed away on Thursday, confirmed by his manager, Matt Luber, to Variety. At the age of 76, Weathers leaves behind a rich legacy in film and television.
His career was not limited to just the “Rocky” series. In 1987, Weathers made a significant impact with his role in “Predator,” and he captured audiences’ hearts in Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore.” His talent earned him a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his performance in “The Mandalorian,” a “Star Wars” series.
Weathers also lent his voice to Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4” and portrayed a version of himself in “Arrested Development.” His career spanned various genres and platforms, including roles in “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “The Shield,” “Chicago Justice,” “Brothers,” and movies like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Death Hunt,” and “The Comebacks.”
After collaborating with Adam Sandler on “Happy Gilmore” in 1996, Weathers made a cameo in “Little Nicky” and voiced a character in Sandler’s animated movie “Eight Crazy Nights.”
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers was a versatile athlete, engaging in sports like boxing, football, soccer, wrestling, and gymnastics. He played college football at San Diego State University, contributing to the Aztecs’ victory in the 1969 Pasadena Bowl. While at SDSU, he also studied theatre arts. However, in 1970, he joined the Oakland Raiders as a free agent, playing as a linebacker in the NFL for two seasons.
Transitioning from sports to acting, Weathers began with small roles in blaxplo
