2024-02-02 21:27:20
The entertainment world is mourning the death of actor Carl Weathers, known for his role as Apollo Creed in the famous “Rocky” film saga, where he shared the screen with Sylvester Stallone.
It was his manager, Matt Luber, who announced that Weathers died yesterday, February 1, at the age of 76. Likewise, the star’s family reported that his death occurred while he was sleeping “peacefully.”
“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,” his loved ones recalled in the farewell text.
Originally from New Orleans, United States, Carl participated in more than 75 films and television series during his 50-year career, standing out in titles such as “Predator”, “Happy Gilmore” and “The Mandalorian”, among others. In the latter, he also ventured as a director.
Apollo Creed. Foto: IMdb.
However, it was in 1976 when he reached the peak of his fame with his interpretation of the character Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa’s initial archenemy, who later became his friend and trainer.
Weathers repeated in ‘Rocky II’ (1979), ‘Rocky III’ (1982) and ‘Rocky IV’ (1985), where he lost his life in the ring at the hands of Russian heavyweight Ivan Drago (played by Dolph Lundgren).
Carl Weathers como Apollo Creed, junto a Sylvester Stallone (Rocky). Foto: IMDb.
He famously ventured into the world of American football in both the United States and Canada, exploring a variety of sports that included boxing, American football, wrestling and gymnastics. It was in 1975 when he decided to leave the NFL to follow his true passion: acting. At that time, he made his debut in the series “Kung Fu,” starring David Carradine, and in “Friday Foster.”
By 1987, Carl demonstrated his acting prowess in the action genre with “Predator”, a film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. This role gave him the opportunity to participate in other films such as “Action Jackson” (1988), where he shared scenes with the renowned Sharon Stone.
Additionally, he voiced the character Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4” and played a fictional version of himself in a recurring role on “Arrested Development.” On television, he had appearances on series such as “Good Times,” “Cannon” and “Starsky and Hutch,” according to “Variety.”
Weathers played football at San Diego State University, where he majored in theater, and played the 1970 season in the NFL professional league with the Oakland Raiders.
In the past, Stallone and Weathers had a disagreement. Sylvester had asked his colleague for permission to use images from previous films in the franchise in “Rocky Balboa” (2006). But, Carl refused and pushed for a real role in the film, even though Apollo Creed had died in “Rocky IV.” Stallone rejected the proposal and hired a similar actor to film the fight sequences that were part of the flashbacks.
Later, they managed to reconcile. Weathers allowed Sylvester to use his image for the “Creed” sequel, where Michael B. Jordan plays Apollo’s son.
In the statement announcing Carl’s death, the family concluded by saying: “He will be recognized around the world as generations pass. He was a much loved brother, father, grandfather, companion and friend.”
*With information from EFE.
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