Actor Carl Weathers Dies at the Age of 76

Weathers, who brought some iconic performances to life in the 1980s, enjoyed a further career in comedies and, more recently on ‘The Mandalorian.’

Carl Weathers is Greef Karga in 'The Mandalorian,' season two, exclusively on Disney+

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Carl Weathers has died at the age of 76.
He’s famous for the ‘Rocky’ movies, ‘Predator’ and more.
Tributes have already started to come in for the actor.

Sad news today as action and acting icon Carl Weathers has died at the age of 76.

Weathers, who made his name in the action-orientated likes of ‘Predator’ and the sports drama of the ‘Rocky’ movies, then segued into more comedic roles (often playing himself) and more recently became a key recurring performer on ‘Star Wars’ TV series ‘The Mandalorian.'

Rocky

"His whole life was a million-to-one shot."

PG2 hrNov 21st, 1976

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch Rocky Online

Carl Weathers: Early Life and Career

Carl Weathers in 'Action Jackson.' Photo: Lorimar Film Entertainment.

Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Carl Weathers’ initial career was much more focused on sports, specifically football, relying on athletic prowess to overcome adversity.

He played on teams at Long Beach City College, San Diego State (where he also studied theatre, a nod towards his future) and signed on with the Oakland Raiders in 1970, making a mark as a linebacker.

But after various injuries through his time on the gridiron, he decided in 1974 to focus on performance, pursuing a drama degree at San Francisco State University.

Weathers took a familiar route to screens, working on commercials and smaller roles in movies such as ‘The Candidate’ and ‘Magnum Force’.

(L to R) Carl Weathers and Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky II.' Photo: United Artists.

He got a big break thanks to 1976’s ‘Rocky’, where his critiquing Sylvester Stallone’s acting during his audition won him the role of the cocky, ambitious Apollo Creed, a role he’d play three further times.

Outside of ‘Rocky’, he’s also known for playing Dillon in ‘Predator’ and a variety of other movies including ‘Action Jackson’, ‘Close Encounters of the Third Kind’, and ‘Force 10 from Navarone.’

Happy Gilmore

"He doesn't play golf... he destroys it."

PG-131 hr 32 minFeb 16th, 1996

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch Happy Gilmore Online

Carl Weathers: A Comic Re-Invention and More

(L to R) Carl Weathers and Adam Sandler in 'Happy Gilmore.' Photo: Universal Pictures.

Some actors might be content with just that successful run, but Weathers took the chance to re-invent himself, often playing versions of himself and appearing in the likes of ‘Happy Gilmore’, ‘Little Nicky’ and as a voice in ‘Eight Crazy Nights’, all alongside Adam Sandler.

He enjoyed several episodes on ‘Arrested Development’ playing a spoof version of himself, who had become an acting tutor.

In addition to a long resume of TV guest credits, he added a whole new generation of fans via his work as Greef Karga, the mercenary wrangler-turned-official for ‘Star Wars’ TV series ‘The Mandalorian.

Weathers also stepped behind the camera as a director, shooting episodes of ‘The Mandalorian’ as well as ‘Law & Order’, ‘Chicago Med’, ‘FBI’ and more. He served on the Directors Guild of America board and various committees, helping others navigate the job.

Predator

"Soon the hunt will begin."

R1 hr 47 minJun 12th, 1987

Showtimes & Tickets

Watch Predator Online

Carl Weathers remembered by his family

(Center) Carl Weathers and Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987's 'Predator.' Photo: 20th Century Fox.

Weathers’ family announced his death with a statement:

“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.”

Weathers is survived by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons.