The family of Carl Weathers, the acclaimed US actor renowned for his portrayal of the iconic boxer Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise, announced his passing on Friday at the age of 76.
A Multifaceted Career of Carl Weathers
Weathers, known for his memorable and intense boxing scenes opposite Sylvester Stallone, enjoyed a versatile career spanning over five decades. His filmography includes over 75 appearances in both movies and television, starting with the Blaxploitation films of the mid-1970s.
Recent Success on the Small Screen
In recent years, Weathers made a significant impact on the small screen with his role in the “Star Wars” spin-off series, “The Mandalorian,” earning him an Emmy nomination. Younger audiences were captivated by his character Greef Karga, the head of the Bounty Hunters’ Guild.
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Legacy Beyond the Screen
The family’s statement highlighted Weathers as an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life, leaving an indelible mark through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports. His voice acting role in “Toy Story 4” and his turn as a golf coach in “Happy Gilmore” showcased his versatility.
Apollo Creed: A Boxing Legend
While Weathers played various roles, he will be best remembered as the jingoistic heavyweight champion Apollo Creed. The “Rocky” franchise, starting in 1976, provided a close-up look at championship boxing, setting the standard for fight films with its climactic scenes of blood, broken bones, and slow-motion punches.
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Schwarzenegger’s Tribute
Arnold Schwarzenegger, Weathers’ co-star in “Predator,” paid tribute, calling him an extraordinary athlete, fantastic actor, and a great person. He credited Weathers as an essential part of the success of “Predator” and expressed gratitude for the wonderful time they had making the film together.
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