Tributes continue to flow for Carl Weathers, the actor who famously portrayed Apollo Creed in the Rocky series of movies, after he passed away at the age of 76.
Weathers, who appeared in Predator, The Mandalorian, Happy Gilmore, Action Jackson, Arrested Development and dozens of other films and TV shows, died Thursday, his family announced.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024…Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” the statement continued.
“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.”
Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. pic.twitter.com/q4CWVVeyTK
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 2, 2024
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers appeared in more than 75 films and TV shows during his 50-year screen career.
After retiring from a professional football career in the 1970s, Weathers turned to acting after being charmed by the glamour of the profession.
“I was bitten by the bug, as they say,” Weathers said in an interview in 2023.
“On stage having people laugh at the good lines and applaud at the end – it’s pretty, pretty infectious. Once that bug gets inside you, it’s kind of hard to give it up,” he said.
