Carl Weathers, the actor best known for his roles as Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies and Greef Karga in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian, has died. He was 76.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement. “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.”
Before his rise to fame in Hollywood, Carl Weathers had a notable athletic background. He played college football at San Diego State University and pursued a professional career in the sport. Although undrafted in the 1970 NFL Draft, he signed with the Oakland Raiders and later joined the B.C. Lions in the Canadian Football League. It was during his time as an athlete that Weathers began exploring opportunities in acting, initially working as an extra.
Weathers’ acting career took off with roles in the blaxploitation films Bucktown and Friday Foster, both directed by his long-time friend Arthur Marks. His versatility as an actor was evident in his various television appearances during the 1970s before he rose to fame with his work as Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies, Colonel Al Dillon in Predator, and Combat Carl in the Toy Story franchise.
Carl Weathers’ final role was as Greef Karga in the critically acclaimed Star Wars series The Mandalorian on Disney Plus. His portrayal of the character in this beloved franchise not only captivated audiences but also earned him a nomination for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
Carl Weathers is survived by his two sons. His passing leaves a void in the hearts of his family, friends, and fans worldwide, who will continue to cherish his contributions to the film and television industries.
Source: Deadline