"Rocky" Actor, Carl Weathers, Passes Away At 76

 

Hollywood is thrown into mourning at the sad news of the death of veteran actor Carl Weathers.  According to reports, Weathers peacefully passed away yesterday in his sleep at his Los Angeles home. He was 76.

Before his acting career, Weathers was a professional football player, playing in college before being signed up by the Oakland Raiders and then by the BC Lions in Canada. While still an athlete, he studied Drama at  San Francisco State University. He pursued acting, retiring from football in 1974, the same year he obtained his degree. 

After some TV guest appearances and roles in blaxploitation films, he was cast as Apollo Creed in the sports drama, Rocky, written and directed by Sylvester Stallone. He reprised his iconic role in Rocky II, Rocky III and Rocky IV. His character appeared in flashback in Creed, the film focusing on Apollo's son, Adonis, who follows in his footsteps as a boxer. 

Weathers' other acting credits include the comedy Happy Gilmore (his character, Chubbs, making a cameo in Little Nicky), Think Like a Man Too,  and The Mandalorian. 

Sylvester Stallone paid tribute to his late co-star and friend: 

"Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it. We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keep punching." 

Adam Sandler, who played the lead character in Happy Gilmore and Little Nicky, eulogised:

"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.”

From Viola Davis: 

"RIP to the champ, our Apollo Creed....always saw you as a hero. Rest well, Mr Carl Weathers"

Carl Weathers is survived by his 2 children and 3 ex-wives. 

He will be greatly missed.