Introduction
Carl Weathers, who passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 76, was a remarkable man who excelled in both sports and entertainment. He is best known for his iconic role as Apollo Creed, the charismatic and formidable boxing champion who faced Rocky Balboa in four Rocky films. He also starred in other memorable movies such as Predator, Action Jackson, and Happy Gilmore, as well as TV shows such as Street Justice, Arrested Development, and The Mandalorian. In this blog post, we will celebrate his life and career, from his humble beginnings in New Orleans to his final moments in Los Angeles.
Early Life and Football Career
Carl Weathers was born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. His father was a day laborer and his mother was a domestic worker. He attended St. Augustine High School, where he earned an athletic scholarship and participated in various sports, including boxing, football, gymnastics, judo, soccer, and wrestling. He graduated from Long Beach Poly High School in 1966.
Weathers played football as a defensive end in college. He started his college career in 1966 at Long Beach City College, where he suffered an ankle injury that sidelined him for a year. He then transferred to San Diego State University, where he became a letterman for the San Diego State Aztecs in 1968 and 1969. He helped the Aztecs win the 1969 Pasadena Bowl, finishing with an 11–0 record and a No. 18 ranking in the Final UPI Poll. He played under head coach Don Coryell, who later became a Hall of Fame coach in the NFL.
Weathers went undrafted in the 1970 NFL Draft but joined the Oakland Raiders as a free agent. He played for two seasons with the Raiders as a linebacker, appearing in eight games and recording one fumble recovery. He then moved to the Canadian Football League (CFL) and played for the BC Lions from 1971 to 1973. He played in 13 games and had one fumble recovery. He retired from football in 1974 to pursue his dream of becoming an actor.
Carl Weathers – Acting Career
Weathers had always been interested in acting since he was a child. He took drama classes at San Diego State and appeared in some local theater productions. He also studied acting with Ivana Chubbuck, who later coached stars such as Halle Berry, Brad Pitt, and Charlize Theron.
Weathers got his first break when he auditioned for the role of Apollo Creed, the reigning heavyweight champion who gives an unknown boxer named Rocky Balboa (played by Sylvester Stallone) a chance to fight him for the title in Rocky (1976). Weathers impressed Stallone with his charisma and physique and landed the role despite not knowing that Stallone was also the writer and star of the film.
Rocky was a huge success, winning three Oscars, including Best Picture, and grossing over $225 million worldwide. Weathers reprised his role as Apollo Creed in three sequels: Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), and Rocky IV (1985). His character became one of the most popular and beloved characters in the franchise, evolving from an arrogant rival to a loyal friend and mentor to Rocky. His death at the hands of Ivan Drago (played by Dolph Lundgren) in Rocky IV was one of the most emotional moments in cinema history.
Weathers also starred in other films that showcased his action and comedy skills. He played Colonel Al Dillon, a CIA agent who is killed by an alien hunter in Predator (1987), alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. He played Jericho “Action” Jackson, a tough cop who battles a corrupt businessman in Action Jackson (1988), alongside Vanity and Craig T. Nelson. He played Chubbs Peterson, a golf pro who helps Adam Sandler’s character improve his game in Happy Gilmore (1996), alongside Adam Sandler.
Weathers also had a successful TV career, appearing in several shows as a regular or guest star. He played Det. Adam Beaudreaux is a former Special Forces soldier who fights crime with martial arts expert Grady Jameson (played by Bryan Genesse) in Street Justice (1991–1993). He played himself as a self-parodying acting coach who scammed members of the Bluth family in Arrested Development (2004, 2013). He voiced Omnitraxus Prime, one of the Magic High Commission members who oversee the universe’s magic, in Star vs. the Forces of Evil (2017–2019).
His last role was as Greef Karga, the leader of a bounty hunter guild who hires and later befriends the Mandalorian (played by Pedro Pascal) in The Mandalorian (2019–2023), a Star Wars series on Disney+. He also directed an episode of the second season, titled “Chapter 12: The Siege”. He received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his performance.
Personal Life and Death
Weathers was married three times and had two children. His first wife was Mary Ann Castle, whom he married in 1973 and divorced in 1983. His second wife was Rhona Unsell, whom he married in 1984 and divorced in 2006. His third wife was Jennifer Peterson, whom he married in 2007 and divorced in 2009.
Weathers died on February 1, 2024, at his home in Los Angeles, California, after suffering a heart attack. He was 76 years old. He is survived by his two sons, Jason and Matthew, and his brother, Arthur.
Legacy
Carl Weathers was a versatile and talented actor who left a lasting impression on millions of fans around the world. He was also a trailblazer for African American actors in Hollywood, breaking stereotypes and opening doors for others to follow. He will always be remembered as Apollo Creed, the ultimate fighter who inspired generations of boxers and moviegoers alike.
Weathers was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2018. He was also inducted into the International Mustache Hall of Fame in 2019. He received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Rocky, a Saturn Award for Best Supporting Actor for Predator, and an NAACP Image Award for Outstanding Actor in a Motion Picture for Action Jackson.
Weathers was also a philanthropist who supported various causes and charities, such as the United Negro College Fund, the Boys & Girls Clubs of America, and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He was also a mentor to young actors and athletes, sharing his wisdom and experience with them.
Carl Weathers was a legend who lived a full and rich life. He will be greatly missed by his family, friends, colleagues, and fans. Rest in peace, champ.
FAQs
Who was Carl Weathers?
Carl Weathers was an accomplished actor and former athlete, renowned for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series.
What sports did Carl Weathers play before becoming an actor?
Before turning to acting, Carl Weathers was a professional football player, having played in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders and in the CFL for the BC Lions.
What are some notable films and TV shows Carl Weathers appeared in?
Besides the Rocky series, Carl Weathers starred in films like Predator and Happy Gilmore, and TV shows including The Mandalorian and Arrested Development.
When did Carl Weathers pass away?
Carl Weathers passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 76.