Carl Weathers aka Apollo Creed From Rocky Has Died!
The Rocky star Carl Weathers has passed away at the early age of 76…That is just too soon to die…
CelebnMusic247.com reports that Icon and legendary actor who gave us Apollo Creed, Action Jackson, Predator, “The Defiant Ones,” “Braker,” “Death Hunt,” “Hurricane Smith,” and many others has passed on.
The beloved actor passed away peacefully Thursday while surrounded by loved ones — this according to a statement from his family. They say, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.”
They add, “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.”
Unclear what ailments, if any, Carl may have been battling lately … he’d been actively acting in recent years — and on the surface, there didn’t seem to be much wrong with him.
In any case … it’s an absolute blow to showbiz — Carl was a titan in the movie industry, with acting credits dating back to the early 1970s when he was guest starring on shows like “Good ” ‘Kung Fu,” “S.W.A.T.,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “Cannon” “McCloud” and more.
His true big break came courtesy of Sly … Carl was cast as the brash and bold heavyweight champ of the world, Apollo, and he was pitted against Rocky in the ring for two films.
His character stuck around for another two ‘Rocky’ films … in the third one, he actually brought the Italian Stallion out of a slump and back to glory with a new type of training he’d never experienced … making for some iconic, memorable scenes as part of a montage.
The shot of them slow-mo running on the beach, and Sly eventually pulling ahead, goes down in movie history as one of the most awesome and inspiring things caught on camera.
Apollo was killed off in “Rocky IV” — in dramatic fashion, no less — but his imprint in that movie franchise lives on even today … Michael B. Jordan plays his fictional son in the ‘Creed’ flicks, which are still going strong — and which continue to be cranked out in Hollywood.
Carl Weathers will always be a legend to us and many fans, friends and people who were close to him.
Sly Stallone posted a video speaking on the passing of Carl:
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Arnold Schwarzenegger posted a photo of them from the set of ‘Predator,’ and wrote:
Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. pic.twitter.com/q4CWVVeyTK
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 2, 2024
Dolph Lundgren of ‘Rocky’ fame also posted a tribute, writing … “I was saddened to hear the news this morning. Along with the world, I will miss Carl. He was a great actor, a terrific athlete and a good friend. I cherish many special memories of Carl, both professionally and personally. Like Apollo Creed, he had that special charm that always brought a smile to your face”
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Carl Weathers — famous from a number of movies, but most prominently as Sylvester Stallone’s early nemesis in the ‘Rocky’ movies — has sadly died … TMZ has confirmed.
We will always miss you Carl, and thank you for your contribution on film and TV. We love you. He has 80 acting credits.
His latest TV credits include Star Wars’ “The Mandalorian.”
