Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed from ‘Rocky’, dies at 76
Carl Weathers, the actor best known as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” movies, died Thursday in his sleep, according to his family.
He was 76.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” according to the family statement. “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,” his family said. “He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Weathers played Creed in the 1976 award-winning Rocky, then again in Rocky 2 in 1979, 1982’s Rocky 3, and lastly Rocky 4 in 1985. It was in that fourth installment where the Creed character died inside the boxing ring.
He also landed parts in 1987’s “Predator,” starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, in Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” in 1996 and in “The Mandalorian,” among other films and shows.
Weathers was nominated for an Emmy in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor for the re-occurring role as Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian.”
Prior to acting Weather played collegiate football at San Diego State University and then played professionally for the Oakland Raiders.
