‘Rocky’ and 'Predator' Star Carl Weathers Dead at 76
A cause of death has not been announced
Legendary actor Carl Weathers passed away at the age of 76, as confirmed by his manager to Variety on Friday. While the cause of his death has not been disclosed, his family shared that he peacefully passed away in his sleep on Thursday. In a statement, his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons paid tribute to the iconic star.
“It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” they expressed. “Carl was an extraordinary individual who led a remarkable life. His impact on film, television, the arts, and sports has left an enduring legacy that resonates globally and transcends generations. Beyond his professional accomplishments, he was a cherished brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Weathers gained prominence for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the initial four Rocky films, establishing himself as a versatile actor. Prior to his over 50-year acting career, he made a mark as a skilled linebacker, showcasing his athletic prowess at Long Beach College and San Diego State before transitioning to the professional level. Weathers contributed his talents to the Oakland Raiders from 1970 to ’71 and later joined the BC Lions from ’71 to ’73.
His acting journey commenced in 1973, a mere three years before his iconic role as Creed in Rocky. Noteworthy performances included roles alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 blockbuster Predator and alongside Adam Sandler in the 1995 comedy Happy Gilmore. Weathers collaborated with industry giants such as Steven Spielberg in Close Encounters of the Third Kind (1977) and assumed the lead in the 1988 film Action Jackson, co-starring with Vanity and Sharon Stone.
He may excel at portraying otherworldly characters, yet in person, Weathers appears remarkably grounded, akin to a wise uncle at a crawfish boil, always ready to dispense life advice on a whim. Eliminating unnecessary words, such as “like,” is beneficial.
Certainly, “like” has its place when drawing comparisons, as in “This resembles that” or “Apollo Creed resembles Dillon from Predator, albeit without the CIA clearance.” It’s also suitable for matters of taste, like saying, “I enjoy eating red beans.” However, Weathers has a point; excluding the word from your vocabulary can often enhance expression.
Upon reviewing our recording, I noticed that Weathers seemed to use “you know” frequently. But, well, everyone has their verbal quirks.
Weathers, born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, as per IMDB records, embarked on his journey in the world of performing arts at a young age. During his formative years, he actively participated in plays, showcasing his passion for acting from grade school onwards. However, as he progressed to high school, Weathers found himself drawn towards athletics, leading him down a different life path.His athletic prowess led him to join the football team at San Diego State University, where he pursued a major in theater, striking a balance between his love for acting and sports. In 1970, Weathers took his football skills to the professional level, playing a season with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders.
Reflecting on his dual interests, Weathers shared with the Detroit News, “When I discovered football, it provided a completely different outlet. It was more about the physicality, although one does complement the other. Intelligence was essential, as it required studying playbooks and game films to understand the opponents each week.”
Outside of his acting career, Weathers was also a member of the Big Brothers Association and the U.S. Olympic Committee, according to IMDB.
The thrifty character, Weather, has a knack for stretching the budget by crafting flavorful broths from overlooked ingredients, firmly believing that there’s always value to be found. With a motto like “There’s still plenty of meat on that bone” and a dash of humor, he declares, “Baby, you got a stew going!”
Adding a unique twist to his frugal endeavors, Weather takes on an unexpected role as an acting coach. His clientele includes the eccentric and talent-challenged thespian Tobias Funke, portrayed by David Cross, who is blissfully unaware of his lack of skills. Weather’s coaching services come at a price, blending comedy and financial savvy in this entertaining collaboration. Weathers, the actor renowned for his role as the thrifty character Weather, has sadly passed away at the age of 76. Known for his ability to create flavorful broths from overlooked ingredients and his belief in finding value in everything, Weather’s mantra of There’s still plenty of meat on that bone brought a touch of humor to his frugal pursuits. In a surprising turn, Weather also took on the role of an acting coach, with his client list including the eccentric and talent-challenged Tobias Funke, played by David Cross. This unique collaboration blended comedy and financial savvy in an entertaining manner. Weathers, the acclaimed actor recognized for his portrayal of the economical character Weather, has sadly passed away at the age of 76. Known for his expertise in crafting delectable broths from overlooked ingredients and his belief in cherishing every resource, Weather’s catchphrase There’s still plenty of meat on that bone injected a dose of humor into his frugal endeavors. In a surprising twist, Weather also dabbled in the realm of acting coaching, counting the eccentric and talent-challenged Tobias Funke, played by David Cross, among his clientele. This distinctive collaboration seamlessly merged comedy and financial acumen in an entertaining fashion.