Rocky actor Carl Weathers dies aged 76
Carl Weathers, a former American footballer turned Hollywood movie and comedy star, has died aged 76.
Weathers was best known for playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies and had most recently starred in the Disney+ hit The Mandalorian, appearing in all three seasons.
In a statement, his family said: “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 recognised worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Mr Weathers, a former NFL linebacker went on to star in such film classics as Predator with Arnold Schwarzenegger and in Happy Gilmour with Adam Sandler.
But the movie star was most famous role for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series.
Speaking to the Daily Beast in 2017 he said: “It puts you on the map and makes your career, so to speak.
“But that’s a one-off, so you’ve got to follow it up with something. Fortunately those movies kept coming, and Apollo Creed became more and more in people’s consciousness and welcome in their lives, and it was just the right guy at the right time.
