Carl Weathers was not only one of the greatest legends in Hollywood but, with the passage of successes and years, he has earned the title of a cinema titan. His portrayal in Rocky as Apollo Creed marked a before and after in the history of the seventh art.
Predator, Happy Gilmore and The Mandalorian are just a few of the great productions he has been a part of and for which he will always be remembered. During the afternoon of February 2, the sad news of his death at the age of 76 was confirmed.
His family announced the event, writing, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl”, and then remembering the great career in film and television he has shaped. Here, check out what happened to the icon…
What happened to Carl Weathers?
Carl Weathers, who portrayed Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky movies, passed away at the age of 76 and will always be remembered as a cinema legend. His manager was the one who shared the sad news in a statement, and according to Matt Luber and ESPN, the actor died in his sleep on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
His loved ones took a moment to detail the legend behind the scenes and the legacy he has left in the world. “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”, they wrote.
The cause of his death has not been revealed yet, but his family also issued a statement saying he died “peacefully in his sleep”. The contribution that the star has made to the industry has been significant and lasting, so many of his castmates and friends have started to bid him farewell with much love and sadness.
Who have said goodbye to Carl Weathers?
Carl was not only a phenomenal actor but also one of the most beloved by his colleagues, friends, and anyone who had the opportunity to work with him at any time. Several of his close ones have already started to offer their condolences and post messages in his honor, remembering his legacy and what he was like as a person all this time.
One of the first to do so was Adam Sandler, with whom he shared the screen in the comedy Happy Gilmore, and he wrote, “A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family, and Carl will always be known as a true legend“.
Christian Aquino, former writer and editor of the Italian football daily, also expressed his condolences on his official X profile, where he wrote, “rest in peace Carl Weathers. Apollo Creed was one of the best and coolest characters I’ve ever seen! It doesn’t get much better than the end of the Rocky III training montage”.
Star Wars Holocron, the official news site for fans of the franchise, posted, “Carl Weathers is such a devastating loss. He was not only a great actor in Star Wars but a great director. He helmed Chapters 12 and 20 of The Mandalorian. Beyond that, he always championed inclusivity and equality with such authenticity. He will be missed“.