Veteran actor Carl Weathers, who is best known for his roles in the “Rocky” films as well as “The Mandalorian” and “The Predator,” has died at the age of 76….
Veteran actor Carl Weathers, who also played two seasons in the NFL, has died at the age of 76.
The actor passed away while he was asleep at his home in Los Angeles.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” Weathers’ representatives said in a statement. “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.”
Following the end of his football career, Weathers turned to acting full time and he started making guest appearances in numerous TV shows. He then auditioned for a role in the boxing film “Rocky” where he reportedly criticized Sylvester Stallone’s acting and that brutal honesty actually helped him land his role as heavyweight champion Apollo Creed.
Weathers appeared in the first four “Rocky” films, which remained his most iconic role.
In 1987, Weathers starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the sci-fi film “The Predator,” which also earned him rave reviews. He stayed busy acting in both film and television over the years including roles and iconic performances such as playing a one-handed golf instructor in “Happy Gilmore.”
More recently, Weathers landed a starring role on “The Mandalorian” where he played bounty hunter turned government official Greef Karga, which earned him an Emmy nomination for best guest actor in a drama series. Weathers also got behind the camera where he directed two episodes of the “Star Wars” spinoff series.
Weathers is survived by his two sons.
