Carl Weathers was an American actor who is best known for his roles as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series, Al Dillon in Predator, and Chubbs in Happy Gilmore. He was born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, and passed away on February 2, 2024, in Venice, California.
Personal and Family Life
Carl Weathers was married three times and had two children, Jason and Matthew Weathers. His first marriage was to Mary Ann Castle from 1973 to 1983. He then married Rhona Unsell in 1984, and later Jennifer Peterson from 2007 to 2009. Besides his family, Weathers was known for his towering height and muscular build.
Career
Before acting, Weathers had a successful career in football, playing for the Oakland Raiders before fully committing to acting in 1974. He started with minor roles in films like Friday Foster and Bucktown. His breakthrough came in 1976 when he was cast as Apollo Creed in Rocky, leading to subsequent appearances in the Rocky sequels. Weathers also starred in popular TV shows during the 1990s, further establishing his acting career.
Death and Legacy
Carl Weathers passed away on February 2, 2024, due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He left behind a legacy of iconic roles in film and television, particularly his portrayal of Apollo Creed, which is still celebrated by fans of the Rocky franchise. Weathers’ influence extended beyond acting, as he was also involved in mentorship programs for young athletes.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Predator | 1987-06-12 | Al Dillon |
| Rocky | 1976-11-20 | Apollo Creed |
| Rocky II | 1979-06-15 | Apollo Creed |
| Rocky III | 1982-05-28 | Apollo Creed |
| Rocky IV | 1985-11-21 | Apollo Creed |
| Happy Gilmore | 1996-02-16 | Chubbs |
| In the Heat of the Night | 1988-03-06 | Hampton Forbes |
| Action Jackson | 1988-02-12 | Sgt. Jericho ‘Action’ Jackson |
| Alien Siege | 2005-01-01 | General Skyler |
| The Mandalorian | 2019-11-12 | Greef Karga |