Early Life and Sports Career

Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Carl Weathers had a diverse sports background, excelling in boxing, football, soccer, wrestling, and gymnastics. He played college football at San Diego State University, contributing to the Aztecs’ victory in the 1969 Pasadena Bowl. Despite studying theatre arts concurrently, he signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1970, playing as a linebacker in the NFL for two seasons.

Transition to Acting

Weathers shifted to acting after his football career, making his mark in blaxploitation films like “Bucktown” and “Friday Foster” and TV series such as “Good Times,” “Kung Fu,” “Cannon,” and “Starsky and Hutch.”

Iconic Roles in Film and Television

  1. Rocky Franchise: Weathers gained fame as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” series, initially refusing the use of footage in “Rocky Balboa” but later reconciling with Stallone for the “Creed” sequel series.
  2. Predator (1987): Starring alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger, Weathers played Colonel Al Dillon, a memorable role in the action-packed film.
  3. Happy Gilmore and Eight Crazy Nights: Weathers showcased his comedic side in Adam Sandler’s films, notably in “Happy Gilmore” and as a voice actor in the animated “Eight Crazy Nights.”
  4. The Mandalorian and Star Wars: Nominated for a Primetime Emmy, Weathers played Greef Karga in the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” and directed episodes of the “Star Wars” spinoff.
  5. Other Notable Works: Weathers contributed to films like “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Death Hunt,” and “Toy Story 4” (voicing Combat Carl). His TV credits include “Arrested Development,” “Street Justice,” “Colony,” and “The Shield.”

Later Career and Legacy

In his later career, Weathers took on smaller roles in TV procedurals, directing episodes and earning his first Emmy nomination in 2021. His legacy includes contributions to both action and comedic genres, leaving an indelible mark on Hollywood.

Personal Life and Survivors

Carl Weathers is survived by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons. His passing marks the end of a prolific career that touched various facets of the entertainment industry.