Highlights

  • Hollywood icon Carl Weathers, known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films, has peacefully passed away at age 76.
  • Weathers, an exceptional individual, left an indelible mark in film, television, sports, and the arts, impacting multiple generations worldwide.
  • Co-stars Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger paid heartfelt tributes to Weathers, emphasizing his talent, contributions, and the deep personal connections they shared.

Hollywood icon Carl Weathers, a former NFL linebacker renowned for his role as the beloved character Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series, has passed away at the age of 76. The news of his death was confirmed by his manager, Matt Luber, who announced that Weathers peacefully departed in his sleep on Thursday.

Although the family did not disclose the cause of death, they shared a statement describing Weathers as an extraordinary individual who led a remarkable life. In the statement, the family highlighted Weathers' significant impact across film, television, the arts, and sports, leaving an indelible mark that resonates globally and across generations. They fondly remembered him as a cherished brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.

"Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life," his family said. "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."

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Tributes Pour In For Carl Weathers

Sylvester Stallone And Arnold Schwarzenegger Paid Their Respects

The versatile athlete-turned-actor, Carl Weathers, adept in both action and comedy, left an enduring mark on the entertainment industry. From his roles in Arrested Development to a prominent presence in all three seasons of The Mandalorian on Disney+, Weathers showcased his talents across diverse genres.

His former co-star and fellow action star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, took to X, formerly Twitter, to express his admiration: "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."

Sylvester Stallone, the creator and iconic actor behind Rocky Balboa, shared a poignant video tribute to Carl Weathers, who portrayed his rival-turned-friend in the first four Rocky movies. Standing in front of a painting featuring Rocky and Creed, Stallone expressed deep sorrow, describing the day as incredibly sad.

Expressing his emotional turmoil, Stallone credited Weathers for being an integral part of his life and success. He thanked Weathers for his remarkable contributions to the Rocky movies, acknowledging the greatness he saw in him from the very beginning. Stallone emphasized that without Weathers, the accomplishments with Rocky wouldn't have been possible, praising his brilliance, voice, size, power, athletic ability, and, most importantly, his heart and soul.

Reflecting on the loss, Stallone shared a touching moment depicted in the painting, likely their last in-ring scene together. He fondly remembered Weathers as magic and expressed gratitude for being part of his life, concluding with a heartfelt message: "Apollo, keep punching."

Weathers, as Creed, initially served as the primary antagonist in the 1976 Oscar-winning Rocky, warming up to Balboa in subsequent sequels Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), and Rocky IV (1985). Creed became an essential ally for the Italian Stallion before meeting his death at the hands of Ivan Drago, which Rocky avenged.