Carl Weathers, known for his iconic roles inRockyand theStar Warsfranchise’s The Mandalorian, has died at the age of 76. In a statement, his family broke the news, saying:
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. 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.”
Born on August 06, 2025, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Weathers began his career in the spotlight, not on the stage or screen, but on the football field. A talented athlete, he played professional football before pivoting to acting. Weathers' breakthrough came with his role as Apollo Creed in the first four movies of theRockyfranchise.
Rocky Balboa is a struggling boxer trying to make the big time. Working in a meat factory in Philadelphia for a pittance, he also earns extra cash as a debt collector. When heavyweight champion Apollo Creed visits Philadelphia, his managers want to set up an exhibition match between Creed and a struggling boxer, touting the fight as a chance for a “nobody” to become a “somebody”. The match is supposed to be easily won by Creed, but someone forgot to tell Rocky, who sees this as his only shot at the big time.
Appearing opposite Sylvester Stallone in 1976’sRocky,Apollo Creed became the titular boxer’s first adversary. Weathers then returned for a rematch with Stallone’s Rocky Balboa inRocky II, before helping to train the champ ahead of his fight with Mr T’s Clubber Lang inRocky III. Weather’s last appearance in the series came in 1985’sRocky IV, when Creed took on the formidable Russian heavyweight Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren) and was killed in the ring. However, the spirit of Apollo Creed still lives on thanks totheCreedfranchise, which focuses on Adonis Creed, Apollo’s son, played by Michael B. Jordan.
Carl Weathers Career Beyond Rocky
Weathers' career was characterized by a diverse range of roles that highlighted his ability to embody strength, integrity, and depth. From his action-packed performances infilms like Predatorto his comedic timing inHappy Gilmore,Weathers most recently appeared in the Star Wars franchise, playing the role of Greef Karga inThe Mandalorian,as well as voicing Combat Carl in theToy Storyfranchise. He also appeared as a guest star in many popular TV shows, includingCannon, Kung Fu, Starsky and Hutch, Psychand the reboot ofMagnum P.I.among others.
Beyond his achievements on-screen, Weathers was also respected for his work behind the camera as a director and producer. Weathers helmed episodes ofLaw & Order, Hawaii Five-O, Chicago Med, andThe Mandalorian. He also acted as a mentor to many younger actors he worked with. Away from the cinema screens, Weathers’ advocated for education and the arts, using his place in Hollywood to support communities that otherwise struggled to find a voice.
Our thoughts and prayers are with his family, friends and legion of fans at this time.
You can see Weathers as Apollo Creed in theRockyfranchise on Max, and in his final role inThe Mandalorianon Disney+
