‘We lost an icon’: Rocky and Predator star Carl Weathers dies, age 76

The entertainment world is grappling with the untimely demise of legendary actor Carl Weathers, leaving fans and colleagues heartbroken.

Weathers, known for his dynamic performances on both the big and small screens, passed away at the age of 76 on Thursday, February 1 leaving behind a legacy that transcends generations.

Weathers’ family announced the heartbreaking news of his passing in a statement, revealing that he died “peacefully in his sleep”.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” the statement read.

“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.”

Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers had a diverse athletic background before venturing into acting. Excelling in football, boxing, gymnastics, judo, soccer, and wrestling, he secured an athletic scholarship to St. Augustine High School. After a college football career at Long Beach City College and San Diego State University, Weathers briefly played professional football with the Oakland Raiders and the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League.

Transitioning to acting in the mid-1970s, Weathers gained fame for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series. His career spanned action films like Predator and Action Jackson in the 1980s.

He also appeared in TV shows such as Street Justice, In the Heat of the Night, and Tour of Duty. Weathers experienced a comedic revival in the 2000s, starring in Arrested Development and other comedies.

He diversified his career with voice acting, video game narration, and commercial appearances. Notably, he played Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, earning an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in 2019.

Following his passing, an outpouring of heartfelt tributes flooded social media, as fans and colleagues alike came together to reminisce about Weathers’ impactful career.

We lost an icon. Carl Weathers was a phenomenal talent, a true professional, and a dear friend. All my sympathies and love to his family. I loved working with him on Predator and then celebrating that film with him at various conventions in the ensuing years.
Thank you, Carl. pic.twitter.com/29OJoe8qcu

— Jesse Ventura (@GovJVentura) February 2, 2024

rest in peace carl weathers 🙏🏽

apollo creed was one of the best and coolest characters I’ve ever seen! it doesn’t get much better than the end of the rocky III training montage 💪🏽 pic.twitter.com/ghZ59nahv8

— christian (@caquino__) February 2, 2024

RIP CARL WEATHERS. Lots of great roles but his exit in PREDATOR is especially memorable.pic.twitter.com/k7JknH0Gjj

— All The Right Movies (@ATRightMovies) February 2, 2024

Carl Weathers has passed away at the age of 76. There is no Rocky without Apollo Creed and we were lucky that Carl brought him to life. RIP to a legend. pic.twitter.com/yt2AIEl2h3

— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 2, 2024

Wouldn’t be right to celebrate the life of Carl Weathers without this utter piece of cinematic poetry pic.twitter.com/2GCquSBCL7

— ᴄʜʀɪꜱᴛᴏᴘʜᴇʀ ɢʀɪꜰꜰɪᴛʜꜱ (@Griff_est88) February 2, 2024

I’m shocked and heartbroken at the news about Carl Weathers. This is so sad. What a talented man in many different ways. I was just thinking about The Foundling and what a fantastic job he did with that episode. And of course our Greef Karga, who is often quoted in our house. pic.twitter.com/lTP6lLpIWY

— Salacious Dumb (@salacious_dum) February 2, 2024

RIP to the legend Carl Weathers. This moment, your delivery of it in Rocky inspired me the moment I heard it. I live my life by it. Your voice and performance gave me belief. I love you for that. Rest in peace & power man. pic.twitter.com/AfGU4HLIZt

— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) February 2, 2024

Carl Weathers gave so much to my generation.
He saw in everyone an opportunity to improve and his legendary smile was a call to kindness.
No one will erase our memory of Carl.
Don’t listen to those who tell you that you are not good enough.
Raise your head, it’s you against you… pic.twitter.com/qeR7cLIpyM

— Gari VALDEN (@GariVALDEN) February 2, 2024

Weathers is survived by his two sons.