'Rocky' star Carl Weathers dead at 76

"Rocky" star Carl Weathers has died, according to a statement from his family. The actor was 76. 

"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."

Weathers played Apollo Creed in the first four movies in the "Rocky" series. He also starred opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in "Predator" and Adam Sandler in "Happy Gilmore."  In 2021, Weathers was nominated for an Emmy Award for his performance in the Disney+ "Star Wars" television series "The Mandalorian."

Weathers made his first appearance as the cocky, undisputed heavyweight world champion in 1976’s "Rocky," starring Sylvester Stallone.  The actor reprised his role as Creed in 1979's "Rocky II," 1982's "Rocky III" and 1985's "Rocky IV." 

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In the franchise's fourth film, Creed memorably died in the ring during a fight against Soviet Union champion Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren. After Creed's death, his son Adonis Creed (Michael B. Jordan) would lead his own boxing trilogy starting in 2015. 

On Friday, Stallone shared an emotional tribute to Weathers on Instagram. The three-time Academy Award nominee shared a video with the caption, "We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching."

In the video, Stallone was seen standing in front of a painting depicting a fight between Rocky and Creed.

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"Hello, everyone. Today is an incredibly sad day for me," Stallone said at the beginning of the clip.

He continued, "Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it. I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room, and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness, but I didn’t realize how great." 

"I never could have accomplished what we did with ‘Rocky’ without him. He was absolutely brilliant. His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but more importantly, his heart, his soul. It's a horrible loss."

Stallone noted that the painting behind him captured one of the last moments that he and Weathers were in the ring together, adding "I'll never forget it."

"He was magic. And I was so fortunate to be part of his life. So Apollo, keep punching," he concluded.

After landing his breakthrough role as Creed, Weathers went on to star in the 1987 science fiction action film "Predator" alongside Schwarzenegger, who would become the governor of California, and former professional wrestler Jesse Ventura, who later served as the governor of Minnesota.  

Schwarzenegger honored his late co-star in a post he shared on Instagram Friday. He uploaded a slideshow featuring three photos of himself with Weathers in "Predator," writing, "Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person."

He continued, "We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. Every minute with him - on set and off - was pure joy. He was the type of friend who pushes you to be your best just to keep up with him."

"I’ll miss him, and my thoughts are with his family."

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Weathers took on leading roles in the action movies "Action Jackson" (1988) and "Hurricane Smith" (1992). In 1996, he starred as Chubbs Peterson, a former golf star who lost his hand after an alligator attack, in Sandler's classic comedy "Happy Gilmore." 

The actor reprised his role in a cameo appearance in Sandler's 2000 fantasy comedy movie "Little Nicky." In 2002, he voiced a character in the animated Hanukkah movie "Eight Crazy Nights," which starred Sandler in his first voice acting role.

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Weathers also starred in TV's "Street Justice," "In the Heat of the Night," "Tour of Duty," "Colony," "Chicago Justice" and "Star vs. the Forces of Evil." 

He played a caricature of himself in four episodes of the hit sitcom "Arrested Development" from 2004 to 2013 and also appeared in "The Shied," "E.R.," "Psych," "Chicago P.D.," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit" and "Magnum P.I."

Other film credits include roles in "Friday Foster," "Bucktown," "Close Encounters of the Third Kind," "Death Hunt," "The Comebacks" and "Toy Story 4." 

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Weathers most recently starred in all three seasons of "The Mandalorian" as Greef Karga, the leader of a bounty hunter guild. 

In 2021, he received an Emmy Award nomination for outstanding guest actor in a drama series for his performance. Weathers also directed two episodes of the series, "Chapter 12: The Siege" and "Chapter 20: The Foundling."

Born in New Orleans Jan. 14, 1948, Weathers pursued a professional football career before becoming an actor. He played college football at San Diego State University, where he helped the SDSU Aztecs win the 1969 Pasadena Bowl.

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After going undrafted by the NFL, Weathers signed the Oakland Raiders in 1970. He helped the Raiders claim the AFC West Division title and returned for the 1971 season before being released by the team. 

The Associated Press contributed to this report.