Hollywood star Carl Weathers has sadly died at the age of 76.
The actor famously played boxer Apollo Creed in the iconic Rocky films alongside Sylvester Stallone. He also appeared in huge flicks such as Predator, Happy Gilmore, and Action Jackson as well as in Star Wars spin-off show The Mandalorian.
His sad passing was announced on Friday (February 2) in a statement from his family, who revealed he died “peacefully”. Their tribute read: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. …
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“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.”
(Image: Francois Duhamel /Lucasfilm Ltd.)
Predator co-star and acting legend Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote on X: “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.”
Happy Gilmore star Adam Sandler also paid tribute on X, writing: “A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”
(Image: Getty Images for Disney)
The actor starred in over 75 films and TV shows throughout his long career, but many will recognise him from his recent role as Greef Karga, head of the Bounty Hunters Guild, in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian. Karga became close to the main character, played by Pedro Pascal, throughout the series and the pair directed some of the episodes throughout the second and third seasons.
Among his impressive credits, Weathers lended his voice to Combat Carl in Toy Story 4, released in 2019, after launching the character in the TV special Toy Story of Terror back in 2013.
His best known role, however, was as Apollo Creed in Rocky. The actor starred as the heavyweight champion of the world who gave Philadelphia boxer Rocky Balboa a shot at the title. He returned to play the character in Rocky II in 1979, Rocky III in 1982 and Rocky IV in 1985.
Carl’s Happy Gilmore character starred alongside Adam Sandler’s character in as his golf coach. Derick ‘Chubbs’ Peterson was a professional golfer who had to leave his tour after having his hand bit off by an alligator, which was replaced by a wooden appendage which was the brunt of many of the film’s jokes.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
