Legendary actor Carl Weathers passed away at the age of 76 on February 1, which was the same day that a special tribute aired during the Super Bowl. Weathers was a former professional football player who gained fame for his role as Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” movies, as well as his appearances in hit films such as “Predator,” “Happy Gilmore,” and “Action Jackson.”
According to a death certificate obtained by The Blast, Weathers died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. His family released a statement, saying, “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.”
Weathers appeared in over 75 films and television shows and was best known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” series. His character was killed off in “Rocky IV,” but his legacy lived on through a new trilogy of movies titled “Creed,” which featured Michael B. Jordan as Apollo’s son.
In addition to his role in the “Rocky” franchise, Weathers had a memorable turn as Derick “Chubbs” Peterson in the Adam Sandler movie “Happy Gilmore.” He also received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his time on “The Mandalorian.”
Before his death, Weathers filmed a FanDuel commercial for Super Bowl LVIII, in which he appeared opposite Rob Gronkowski. The commercial became a memorial to the great actor and was the last project he worked on before his passing.
Weathers had a lifelong passion for performing, which he discovered at a young age while appearing in plays. He explained, “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.”
Overall, the news of Carl Weathers’s passing was met with great sadness, as fans and fellow actors paid tribute to his memorable career and the impact he had on the entertainment industry. His contributions to film, television, sports, and the arts will be remembered and celebrated for years to come.
