Summary
- Carl Weathers, known for his iconic roles in Rocky and The Mandalorian, has passed away at 76. He was an exceptional human being who left an indelible mark on the world.
- Weathers began his career as a professional football player before pivoting to acting. His breakthrough role came as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise.
- Weathers had a diverse range of roles, showcasing his strength, integrity, and depth. He was also respected for his work behind the camera and his advocacy for education and the arts. Thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends, and fans.
Carl Weathers, known for his iconic roles in Rocky and the Star Wars franchise’s The Mandalorian, has died at the age of 76. In a statement, his family broke the news, saying:
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … 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.”
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Weathers began his career in the spotlight, not on the stage or screen, but on the football field. A talented athlete, he played professional football before pivoting to acting. Weathers’ breakthrough came with his role as Apollo Creed in the first four movies of the Rocky franchise.
Weathers’s career was characterized by a diverse range of roles that highlighted his ability to embody strength, integrity, and depth. From his action-packed performances in films like Predator to his comedic timing in Happy Gilmore, Weathers most recently appeared in the Star Wars franchise, playing the role of Greef Karga in The Mandalorian.
Beyond his achievements on screen, Carl Weathers was also respected for his work behind the camera as a director and producer, and he also acted as a mentor to many younger actors he worked with. Away from the cinema screens, Weathers’ advocated for education and the arts, using his place in Hollywood to support communities that otherwise struggled to find a voice.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and legion of fans at this time.
This is a developing story. Check back for more.
