Explore Carl Weathers’ varied career spanning 80 films, from a football linebacker for the Oakland Raiders to a famous presence on the big screen. The legendary actor, best remembered for appearing in “Rocky” and “The Mandalorian,” passed away at 76.
How did Carl Weathers end up?
The New York Times has announced the death of 76-year-old actor and former football player Carl Weathers. Weathers has a varied career spanning more than 80 movies and TV series. He is known for playing Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” flicks.
He began his career with the Oakland Raiders as a linebacker before moving to the big screen, where he portrayed iconic characters like Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian” and Chubbs in “Happy Gilmore.” Despite worries about being pigeonholed following his legendary performance in “Rocky,” Weathers prospered in show business.
Known for his robust physique, he starred with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie “Predator” and went on to portray a Detroit police officer in “Action Jackson.” He ventured into humor with “Happy Gilmore” and even animation, lending his voice as Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4.”
He received praise recently for his performance in “The Mandalorian,” in 2021, he was nominated for an Emmy, and after a brief football career with the Oakland Raiders and in the Canadian Football League, Weathers, a native of New Orleans, turned to acting.
Despite difficulties and setbacks, such as a catastrophic injury sustained while filming “Happy Gilmore,” Carl Weathers had a lasting impression on the entertainment world. He is regarded as an incredible human being who lived an extraordinary life and left a lasting impression on generations, and two sons survived him.
Carl Weathers: Who was He?
Born on January 14, 1948, Carl Weathers was a well-known American actor, director, and football player. He rose to fame as the voice of Combat Carl in Toy Story, Colonel Al Dillon in Predator, and Apollo Creed in the early Rocky films. Carl also provided the voice of Omnitraxus Prime in Star vs. the Forces of Evil and appeared in TV series such as Arrested Development and Street Justice. He was nominated for an Emmy for his performance as Greef Karga in The Mandalorian.
Carl was a football player for the San Diego State Aztecs in college before his acting profession took off. He played for the Oakland Raiders and then signed with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) despite not being taken in the NFL draft.
Carl came from a working-class family in New Orleans, Louisiana, and was awarded an athletic scholarship to St. Augustine High School. He was an all-around athlete who earned a master’s in theatrical arts from San Diego State University. Carl and Mary Ann were wed, and their children were two sons.
Carl Weathers, 76, left quietly at home in Los Angeles on February 1, 2024. Carl, who was well-known for his athletic background and diverse skill set, profoundly affected the entertainment business.
Carl Weathers Obituary
We grieve the loss of Carl Weathers, a Hollywood icon whose magnetic personality captivated crowds on the football field and in motion pictures, and say a sincere goodbye. Weathers left a lasting impression on movie history with his performances as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” trilogy and as a bone-crushing linebacker with the Oakland Raiders.
At 76, he passed away quietly, leaving over 80 film and television credits behind. Outside of the boxing ring, Weathers demonstrated his flexibility by voice acting in “Toy Story 4” and doing self-parodies in “Arrested Development.”
His recent Emmy-nominated role in “The Mandalorian” and his ongoing commitment to sports and the arts shall always inspire us. Carl Weathers was a cherished partner, friend, father, and grandpa. His absence resonates across generations, serving as a constant reminder of the remarkable life he led.
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