Actor Carl Weathers (Rocky, Mandalorian, Happy Gilmore) Dead At 76

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – OCTOBER 23: Actor and former Oakland Raiders player Carl Weathers stands on the Las Vegas Raiders sideline before the team’s game against the Houston Texans at Allegiant Stadium on October 23, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Raiders defeated the Texans 38-20. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images)

Carl Weathers, who was best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, has died of undisclosed causes, his family announced on Friday. He was 76 years old.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” the family announced, noting that Weathers passed away “peacefully” in his sleep. “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.”

Weathers, a former NFL linebacker, first made his mark in 1976’s Rocky. In addition to playing the role in three subsequent films, he went on to appear in 1987’s Predator, 1988’s Action Jackson, 1996’s Happy Gilmore and, more recently, The Mandalorian, which earned him an Emmy nomination.

After making a splash in Rocky, why didn’t Weathers get more roles than he did?

More about:

2024

Actor

dead

NFL

Rocky