Goodbye Apollo Creed: Remembering the Life and Career of Actor Carl Weathers (2 photos + 2 videos)

4 February 2024

The same star from Predator and Rocky died in his sleep at the age of 76.

Weather's family released the death notice through his agent, saying he "passed away peacefully in his sleep" on February 1.

After becoming a football star in the 1960s and retiring from his professional career in the early '70s, Weathers began exploring a career as a film actor. He gained popularity in the 1976 film Rocky, in which he played the role of Apollo Creed, originally intended for real-life boxer Ken Norton. Naturally, in the next three Rocky films, the role of Creed belonged only to him.

Rocky training with Apollo Creed. After defeat. Motivation from Rocky Balboa.Rocky 3 (1982)

In 2020, he said of acting in the film: “It was hard to avoid getting hit on set. There were times when we deliberately lashed out at each other. I was always worried that if I hit Sly, if I hit him the right way, it might hurt. And there was no reason for this. And I think he was about the same.”

Predator (1987) - Powerful Handshake

He then starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987's Predator and landed the lead role in 1988's Action Jackson.

Schwarzenegger wrote this about his friend's death: “Carl Weathers will forever remain 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 filming it. Every minute with him - on and off set - was pure joy. He was the kind of friend who made you try your best just to keep up with him. I will miss him and my thoughts are with his family.”

The actor's filmography includes 48 roles in 47 films. His most recent roles included Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. He also directed two episodes.

The actor is survived by two sons.