The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Carl Weathers, the quintessential symbol of strength and charisma on the silver screen, who passed away on Thursday. The unfortunate news of his death was released by his manager the next day. Weathers was well-regarded for his standout portrayal of Apollo Creed, the memorable and vigorous boxer in the “Rocky” film series. He was 76 years old.
Weathers, a former professional football player turned actor, achieved his iconic status in cinema through his electrifying character — a prominent boxing champion who started as the formidable rival but then became the trusted ally of Sylvester Stallone’s character, Rocky Balboa, across the first four installments of the globally successful franchise.
Beyond the square circle of “Rocky,” Weathers’s career spanned a variety of roles, including a notable performance in the recent Star Wars spinoff series, “The Mandalorian,” and a part in the action-packed 1987 film “Predator.” Yet, it was as Apollo Creed where he left a permanent mark, providing a potent and influential image of a strong Black character in a movie landscape that was just beginning to evolve from outdated character portrayals.
The legacy of his character also touched the life and career trajectory of Stallone, who was largely unknown in Hollywood before the breakout success of the 1976 “Rocky” film — a project written and in which he starred. That movie went on to conquer the 1977 Oscars, securing awards for best picture and earning Stallone a best actor nomination. In a heartfelt video tribute, Stallone reflected on his first impression of Weathers, recognizing not only his apparent greatness but also admitting the extent of his talents, which were crucial to the success of “Rocky.”
Weathers drew inspiration for Apollo Creed from none other than boxing legend Muhammad Ali, projecting the same level of intelligence and showmanship Ali was known for into his major role. Weathers’s dedication to the character and its impact on his career was evident when he discussed the role in a 2016 interview with The Daily Beast, where he acknowledged the significant influence of Ali and the enduring legacy of such a defining role.
After the character’s story arc came to a close, Weathers continued to forge an impressive career path by teaming up with Arnold Schwarzenegger in the classic action thriller, “Predator,” which cemented his standing among the action stars of that era.
His later years saw a resurgence in popularity as Weathers returned to the public eye with a role in the critically acclaimed television series “The Mandalorian,” captivating audiences over ten episodes from 2019 to 2023.
Having dabbled in comedy, Weathers showed his versatile acting skills by playing against type in the film “Happy Gilmore” as a one-handed golf coach and by delivering a self-parody performance in the television series “Arrested Development” from 2004 to 2013.
Before his Hollywood fame, Weathers had a stint as a professional American football player with the Oakland Raiders, but he eventually hung up his cleats in pursuit of acting full-time. His persistence paid off after he landed the role of Apollo Creed, which had initially been slated for real-life boxer Ken Norton.
Weathers’s dramatic departure from the gridiron to the glittering lights of Hollywood is mirrored by his personal life. Surviving Carl Weathers are his children Jason and Matthew, from his three marriages. His manager’s statement painted him as a treasured family member and friend. As the film and sports communities bid farewell to Weathers, his memory and the impact of his work live on, embraced by fans and colleagues alike.
