Current:Home > InvestCarl Weathers, Rocky and The Mandalorian Star, Dead at 76-LoTradeCoin
Carl Weathers, Rocky and The Mandalorian Star, Dead at 76
View Date:2024-12-23 21:43:31
The acting world has lost a warrior.
Carl Weathers, who rose to fame playing Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies and later starred in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian, died Feb. 1, his family confirmed in a statement to NBC News.
"Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life," Weathers' family, who noted he died in his sleep, said in their Feb. 2 statement. "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."
The actor is survived by his sons Matthew, 47, and Jason, 44, who he shared with first wife Mary Ann.
Born in New Orleans in 1948, Weathers initially pursued a career in professional football, playing for the Oakland Raiders between 1970 and 1971, before turning his sights towards acting.
After making appearances in shows like Good Times and The Six Million Dollar Man, he landed his breakthrough role of the adversary-turned-friend of Sylvester Stallone's character Rocky Balboa in the 1976 boxing film Rocky, reprising the role in the first three sequels.
Following his time in the ring, he starred in the 1987 film Predator with another action film icon—Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He subsequently found success in comedy, teaming up with Adam Sandler in the comedy flick Happy Gilmore, playing the title character's golf coach and mentor, Chubbs. The two reunited in the 2000 movie Little Nicky, with Weathers reprising his part in an uncredited role, and the 2002 animated film Eight Crazy Nights.
Following the news of Weathers' passing, Sandler paid tribute to his late friend.
"A true great man," the actor wrote about his late costar on Instagram. "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."
Throughout the aughts, Weathers appeared mostly on television, with scene-stealing roles on shows such as Brothers, Arrested Development—in which he played a parody version of himself, and Chicago Justice.
His final role was as bounty hunter Greef Karga in Star Wars TV spinoff The Mandalorian, with him earning an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series nomination in 2021.
His costar Pedro Pascal expressed his grief wrote on Instagram, adding alongside a publicity photo of Weathers for the 1988 film Action Jackson and a broken heart emoji, "Words fail."
For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News AppveryGood! (56832)
Related
- Will Trump curb transgender rights? After election, community prepares for worst
- 4 volunteers just entered a virtual Mars made by NASA. They won't come back for one year.
- Matty Healy Leaves a Blank Space on Where He Stands With Taylor Swift
- Meet Noor Alfallah: Everything We Know About Al Pacino's Pregnant Girlfriend
- Lions find way to win, Bears in tough spot: Best (and worst) from NFL Week 10
- Kylie Jenner Officially Kicks Off Summer With 3 White Hot Looks
- Putin calls armed rebellion by Wagner mercenary group a betrayal, vows to defend Russia
- American Climate Video: In Case of Wildfire, Save Things of Sentimental Value
- The Army’s answer to a lack of recruits is a prep course to boost low scores. It’s working
- Shop the Best lululemon Deals During Memorial Day Weekend: $39 Sports Bras, $29 Tops & More on Sale
Ranking
- See Chris Evans' Wife Alba Baptista Show Her Sweet Support at Red One Premiere
- Judge Blocks Keystone XL Pipeline, Says Climate Impact Can’t Be Ignored
- California Ranchers and Activists Face Off Over a Federal Plan to Cull a Beloved Tule Elk Herd
- The Bachelorette's Andi Dorfman Marries Blaine Hart in Italy
- In an AP interview, the next Los Angeles DA says he’ll go after low-level nonviolent crimes
- Shooter in attack that killed 5 at Colorado Springs gay nightclub pleads guilty, gets life in prison
- Gabrielle Union and Dwyane Wade Honor Daughter Zaya on Sweet 16 Birthday
- Brie Larson's Lessons in Chemistry Release Date Revealed
Recommendation
-
Krispy Kreme is giving free dozens to early customers on World Kindness Day
-
Trump Budget Risks ‘Serious Harm’ to America’s Energy Future, 7 Former DOE Officials Warn
-
SZA Details Decision to Get Brazilian Butt Lift After Plastic Surgery Speculation
-
Keystone XL Pipeline Hit with New Delay: Judge Orders Environmental Review
-
Mississippi woman pleads guilty to stealing Social Security funds
-
Orlando Bloom's Shirtless Style Leaves Katy Perry Walking on Air
-
The Little Mermaid: Halle Bailey’s Locs and Hair Extensions Cost $150,000
-
8 Black Lung Indictments Allege Coal Mine Managers Lied About Health Safety