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Carl Weathers, known for playing Rocky Balboa’s rival turned mentor Apollo Creed in the four Rocky films.
His family shared in a joint statement: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.
“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.”
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Weathers had a lengthy Hollywood career, starring in more than 75 films and TV shows over five decades.
He most recently appeared in nine episodes of the Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian over its three seasons, playing Greef Karga, the head of the Bounty Hunters Guild.
Weathers was also a 2021 Emmy nominee for the role and also directed a pair of episodes in Seasons 2 and 3.
Last month, Lucasfilm confirmed a Mandalorian feature film, The Mandalorian & Grogu, was in the works, with series creator Jon Favreau to direct.
It’s unclear whether Pedro Pascal or Weathers would be involved in the film, which is slated to begin production sometime this year.
Weathers also voiced Combat Carl in the Oscar-winning Toy Story 4, with other credits including Action Jackson, which came after he starred opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987’s Predator.
However, Weathers is best known for playing Apollo Creed, the heavyweight champion of the world who gave journeyman Philly boxer Rocky Balboa, played by Sylvester Stallone.
He played the part in 1976’s Rocky, 1979’s Rocky II, and 1982’s Rocky III.
Creed’s final film in the franchise was 1985’s Rocky IV where he was killed in the ring by Russian heavyweight Ivan Drago.
Weathers also had a memorable role in Happy Gilmore opposite Adam Sandler, where he played his golf coach.
His character, Derrick ‘Chubbs’ Peterson was a pro golfer who was forced to leave the tour after losing his hand to an alligator.
It was not all smooth for Weathers on set as had a serious fall during a stunt on set, leading to years of pain.
He said to GQ in 2020: “I didn’t know it until years later, but I fractured two vertebrae and osteophytes grew out and connected, and it did a kind of self-fuse in a really bad place.
“There were three or four years there where I was just in excruciating pain.”
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Source: NewsFinale
