Carl Weathers, famed for Apollo Creed in “Rocky” dies at 76

Actor Carl Weathers, best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” film series and his appearances in “The Mandalorian,” passed away at the age of 76 according to his manager Matt Luber.

Weathers’ career included notable roles in films like “Predator” and “Happy Gilmore,” earning him recognition for his diverse talents.

Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers initially pursued sports, excelling in football at San Diego State University.

He briefly played in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders before shifting his focus to acting. Weathers appeared in blaxploitation films and TV series like “Good Times” and “Starsky and Hutch.”

His breakthrough came with the iconic role of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise, spanning four films.

Weathers also starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and had memorable roles in various projects, including “Happy Gilmore” and “The Mandalorian,” for which he received a Primetime Emmy nomination.

Weathers’ career extended to voice acting, featuring as Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4.” Additionally, he portrayed a fictionalized version of himself in “Arrested Development” and directed episodes of TV series.

Despite initial disagreements with Sylvester Stallone about using footage in “Rocky Balboa,” they later reconciled, and Weathers allowed the use of his likeness in the “Creed” sequel series.

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In his later career, Weathers continued to make contributions to the industry, earning his first Emmy nomination in 2021 for his role in “The Mandalorian.”

Survived by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons, Carl Weathers leaves behind a legacy of versatile talent and memorable performances in both film and television.