Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” films. Weathers starred as a boxer.
Actor Apollo Creed best known for playing boxer Apollo Creed in the movie “Rocky,” has died, his manager said. He was 76.
Actor Carl Weathers”Rocky” died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, his manager Matt Luber said in a statement, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.
He added, “Carl was an exceptional man who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, he left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, companion and friend.”
In addition to the “Rocky” films, Weathers had memorable roles in films including “Predator” and “Happy Gilmore.” In 2021, he was nominated for an Emmy for his recurring role on the Star Wars-inspired streaming series “The Mandalorian.” He also appeared on TV in the crime drama “Street Justice” and the sitcom “Arrested Development.”
Before his career as an actor, Weathers, a New Orleans native, was a football star at San Diego State University and later played in the NFL for the Raiders.
Apollo Creed gained comedy street cred by hilariously portraying a twisted version of himself on the beloved sitcom “Arrested Development.” His TV resume also boasts roles on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” “Magnum P.I.,” and “Chicago P.D.,” showcasing his versatile acting skills.
Before shifting his focus to acting in 1974, Weathers participated in eight regular NFL season games, as stated on the Raiders’ website.
“I caught the acting bug back in grade school,” shared Weathers in a recent interview with WGN Morning News. “My first taste was in fifth or sixth grade during one of those pageant plays. The following year, I got into a scripted play by one of my teachers. There’s nothing quite like being a kid on stage and hearing the applause for the first time.”
He started with small roles in the 1975 movies “Friday Foster” and “Bucktown.”
The next year, he landed a role in the inaugural “Rocky” movie as Apollo Creed, a character inspired by the real-life boxing legend Muhammad Ali. Creed initially served as Rocky Balboa’s rival in the first two “Rocky” films before transitioning into a key protagonist in both “Rocky III” and “Rocky IV.”
I’m baffled by why ‘Rocky’ has stood the test of time,” Weathers remarked in a 2016 interview with Red Carpet News TV. “The best explanation I can give is that it happened to be the right movie at the right time, with the right people involved.
“Sylvester Stallone crafted amazing characters and a compelling story arc. Maybe a lot of folks connected with it, and they still do,” he shared. “Whether it’s someone watching it for the first time after 40 years or someone who’s seen it 40 times in the last 40 years, people continue to cherish the movie. It’s just incredible to be part of such a beloved film.”
“In ‘Happy Gilmore,’ Weathers portrayed Chubbs Peterson, a retired pro golfer who cheers on Sandler’s character, Happy Gilmore, as he joins a local golf tournament.”
Following his role in “Rocky,” Weathers continued his career with notable films like “Predator” in 1987 and Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” in 1996.
In the later stages of his career, Weathers took on roles in various TV shows like “Chicago Justice,” “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit,” and others. Additionally, he lent his voice to characters like Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4” and contributed to “Star vs. the Forces of Evil.”
“I consider myself really lucky. I’ve had the chance to work with incredibly talented and iconic individuals. So, I’m just hanging on for the ride,” he shared in an interview with WXYZ-TV at Motor City Comic Con last year.
