Carl Weathers, ‘Mandalorian’ And ‘Rocky’ Star, Dies At 76

Carl Weathers, ‘Mandalorian’ And ‘Rocky’ Star, Dies At 76

Football player-turned actor Carl Weathers has passed away at the age of 76, Weathers’ manager Matt Luber confirmed Friday.

Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in the first four ‘Rocky’ films and appeared in ‘Predator,’ ‘The Mandalorian,’ ‘Happy Gilmore’ and dozens of other films and TV shows, died Tuesday, his family announced. He was 76 https://t.co/WwVj3uHLnO pic.twitter.com/5giXxQqka8

— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) February 2, 2024

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … 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. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”

Before turning to the big screen, Carl Weathers played for the Oakland Raiders as a linebacker from 1970-1971. Weathers continued his football career in the Canadian football league with the BC Lions from 1971-1973.

Weathers started of his collegiate football career at Long Beach City College, before transferring to San Diego State University, where he went un-drafted in the 1970 NFL Draft.

Going to Hollywood, Weathers has a resume for the films and series he has starred in. Starring as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, Dillon in the first Predator movie in 1987, Chubbs in Happy Gilmore, Greef Karga in The Mandalorian and many other pieces of work.

“A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell.  Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend,” Adam Sandler, Happy Gilmore co-star, said in a statement released on social media.

A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to… pic.twitter.com/Gi2lPWFTgt

— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) February 2, 2024

The Las Vegas Raiders and ‘Predator’ co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger have also released statements on Carl Weathers passing. ‘Mandalorian’ co-star Pedro Pascal released a tribute on Instagram. 

pic.twitter.com/AuuJOfrsFr

— Las Vegas Raiders (@Raiders) February 2, 2024

Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. pic.twitter.com/q4CWVVeyTK

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 2, 2024

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