Carl Weathers, the actor renowned for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” series, passed away in his sleep on February 2nd, as confirmed by a report released last Friday. The cause of death was listed as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a condition Weathers had been battling for years. The 76-year-old actor died at his residence in Venice, California, shortly after midnight.
The death certificate, obtained by The Blast, listed Matthew Weathers, the actor’s son, as the person who reported his death. Following his passing, Weathers was cremated. His family had previously announced his death last week.
In a statement, the family described Weathers as an “exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life.” They highlighted his significant contributions to film, television, arts, and sports, stating that his work has left an indelible mark recognized worldwide and across generations. They remembered him as a cherished brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.
Born in New Orleans in 1948, Weathers had a Hollywood career that spanned over half a century. He is remembered for his roles in “Predator,” “Happy Gilmore,” and “The Mandalorian,” but his portrayal of the iconic fictional boxer Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise remains his most memorable role. Weathers first appeared as Apollo Creed in 1976’s “Rocky,” and reprised the role in subsequent sequels.
The character of Apollo Creed was killed off in 1985’s “Rocky IV,” but his legacy continues in the “Creed” movies, with Michael B. Jordan playing the role of Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis. Weathers’ extensive career also included voice work for the “Toy Story” franchise and a fictionalized version of himself on “Arrested Development.” He also appeared in popular TV shows like “The Shield,” “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “Chicago P.D.” and “Brothers.”
Weathers’ performance in “The Mandalorian” earned him an Emmy nomination in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. He also had roles in “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “The Comebacks.” Before his acting career, Weathers played college football at San Diego State University and briefly played in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders. Prior to his death, he filmed a Super Bowl commercial for FanDuel with former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.