Carl Weathers: Apollo Creed of the Rocky Films Dies at 76

Carl Weathers was an American actor, director and former professional football player, best remembered as boxer Apollo Creed in the Rocky films. Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, he played linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and the BC Lions before turning to acting.

Weathers played Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films (1976-1985), Colonel Al Dillon in Predator (1987) and Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore (1996). He starred in the TV series Street Justice and played a version of himself in Arrested Development. As Greef Karga in The Mandalorian he earned a Primetime Emmy nomination and directed two episodes.

Weathers earned a bachelor's degree in drama from San Francisco State and a master's in theatre arts from San Diego State. He was married three times and had two sons. He hosted Saturday Night Live in 1988. He died in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles on February 2, 2024, at age 76, of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame later that year.

Achievements: Apollo Creed in Rocky (1976-1985), Predator (1987), Happy Gilmore (1996), Emmy nomination for The Mandalorian, Walk of Fame star (2024).

Birth: January 14, 1948 - New Orleans, Louisiana.

Profession: Actor, director and former football player.

Interesting Facts: He was undrafted and played for the Oakland Raiders in 1970 and 1971. He voiced Combat Carl in the Toy Story films.