Rocky, Star Wars actor Carl Weathers dies aged 76

Carl Weathers, the legendary black actor who portrayed Apollo Creed in the film Rocky films and starred in dozens of other films and television shows Predator, The MandalorianAnd Toy Story 4He died on Thursday, February 1st, aged 76 deadlineHis family released a statement confirming Weathers’ death. It is reading:

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1, 2024…Carl was an extraordinary person who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, art 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 played defensive end on his college’s football team, where he earned a master’s degree in theater. He signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders in 1970 and retired from professional football four years later to pursue acting instead (he had a few background roles in productions during his time as a professional player). His breakthrough came in 1976 with the role of boxer Apollo Creed Rocky-

a role he reprized in the next three films in the series.

From then on, his acting roles multiplied rapidly – he played Colonel Al Dillon Predatorwith Arnold Schwarzenegger in the lead role (during which the two I accidentally created a meme

); He played the character of the same name Action Jackson; was the same character in two different Adam Sandler films; voiced Combat Carl in Toy Story 4; and most recently played the lead role of bounty hunter Greef Karga in the TV series Star Wars: The Mandalorian. In the 2021 indie game, he voiced a character The artful escape.

Weathers leaves behind two sons and a legacy that spans sports and the screen and will never be forgotten. Tributes to the legendary man are already being shared on social media, but this one is my favorite.