Roommates, we are saddened to report that the iconic Carl Weathers has passed away. He was 76.
Weathers was a former NFL linebacker who became a Hollywood action movie and comedy star. He’s most known for playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the ‘Rocky’ movies. Weathers also faced off against Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Predator’ and taught golf in ‘Happy Gilmore.”
RELATED: Tessa Thompson Confirms That Michael B. Jordan Will Be Directing ‘Creed III’
Matt Luber, his manager, said Carl Weathers died Thursday (Feb. 1). His family issued a statement saying he died ‘peacefully in his sleep.’ He is survived by two sons.
“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,” the statement said, per TMZ.
There are no additional updates on Carl Weathers’ cause of death at this time.
IKTR! Carl Weathers’ Resume Was STACKED
Weathers switched lanes from pro-athlete to Hollywood sensation and plenty of projects are hits because of that! In honor of his life and legacy, let’s run down some facts about Carl.
Growing up in New Orleans, Mr. Weathers started performing in plays as early as grade school. In high school, athletics took him down another path, but he would reunite with his first love later in life.
Weathers played college football at San Diego State University and went on to play for one season in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders in 1970. But athletics didn’t overshadow acting. He majored in theater in college.
After the Raiders, he joined the Canadian Football League, playing for two years while finishing his studies at San Francisco State University during the offseason. He graduated with a B.A. in drama in 1974.
RELATED: WATCH: Wendy Williams Highlights Her Financial & Health Issues In New Documentary Trailer
Before landing the hitmaker role of Apollo for three ‘Rocky’ films, Weathers also made an imprint in other movies and TV shows. The list includes, but isn’t limited to, ‘Good Times,’ ‘The Six Million Dollar Man,’ ‘In the Heat of the Night,’ and ‘Starsky & Hutch.’
Later in life, Weathers became passionate about directing helming episodes of ‘Silk Stalking’ and the Lorenzo Lamas vehicle ‘Renegade.’ He directed a season three episode of ‘The Mandalorian.’
He was as comfortable flexing his muscles on the big screen in ‘Action Jackson’ as he was joking around on the small screen in such shows as ‘Arrested Development,’
Rest in peace, Carl Weathers!
Associated Press editor Mark Kennedy contributed to this report.
