On Thursday, the world bid farewell to the legendary Carl Weathers, best known for his iconic portrayal of Apollo Creed in the initial four installments of the "Rocky" series alongside Sylvester Stallone. The acclaimed actor, aged 76, passed away, as confirmed by his manager Matt Luber.
Weathers' illustrious career extended beyond the boxing ring, leaving an indelible mark in cinematic history. His memorable roles included the tough-as-nails Colonel Al Dillon in 1987's "Predator" and a comedic turn in Adam Sandler's "Happy Gilmore." The actor's versatility shone through as he voiced Combat Carl in "Toy Story 4" and played a fictionalized version of himself in the recurring series "Arrested Development."
Notably, Weathers received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series for his contribution to the "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian." His involvement in the entertainment industry spanned various genres, from TV series like "Street Justice," "Colony," and "The Shield" to films like "Close Encounters of the Third Kind" and "Death Hunt."
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers' athletic prowess extended to boxing, football, soccer, wrestling, and gymnastics. His college football days at San Diego State University culminated in a victory at the 1969 Pasadena Bowl. Despite pursuing a degree in theatre arts concurrently, Weathers briefly joined the NFL's Oakland Raiders as a linebacker.
Transitioning from professional football to acting, Weathers began with small roles in blaxploitation films like "Bucktown" and "Friday Foster" and TV series such as "Good Times" and "Kung Fu." His role as Colonel Al Dillon in "Predator" marked a significant milestone alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jesse Ventura.
Weathers' relationship with Sylvester Stallone endured highs and lows, notably when he declined the use of earlier "Rocky" footage for the sixth installment, "Rocky Balboa." Eventually, reconciliation led to Weathers allowing his likeness for the "Creed" sequel series.
In his later years, Weathers continued to contribute to the entertainment landscape, earning an Emmy nomination in 2021 for his role in Disney+'s "The Mandalorian." He also took on the directorial mantle for episodes of the "Star Wars" spinoff.
Carl Weathers leaves behind a legacy of cinematic achievements and is survived by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons. The entertainment world mourns the loss of a true icon, whose impact will resonate for generations to come.
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