American actor, director and former professional football player Carl Weathers has died aged 76.
He is known for his roles as boxer Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films (1976–1985), Colonel Al Dillon in Predator (1987), and Combat Carl in the Toy Story franchise. He also portrayed Det. Beaudreaux in the television series Street Justice (1991–1993) and a fictionalized version of himself in the comedy series Arrested Development (2004, 2013), and voiced Omnitraxus Prime in Star vs. the Forces of Evil (2017–2019).
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He has a recurring role as Greef Karga in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian (2019–present), for which he was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
“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.”
Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Weathers appeared in more than 75 films and TV shows during his 50-year screen career.
He is best known for playing Apollo Creed, the heavyweight champion of the world who gave journeyman Philly boxer Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone) a shot at the title in 1976’s Rocky. Weathers reprised the role in Rocky II (1979), which featured a title rematch with Balboa, and 1982’s Rocky III, where he brawled with Clubber Lang (Mr. T). Creed’s final film in the franchise was Rocky IV (1984), where he was killed in the ring by Russian heavyweight Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren).
In 2019, Weathers appeared as Greef Karga in several episodes of the first season of the Star Wars Series, The Mandalorian. He returned for the second season and also directed the episode “Chapter 12: The Siege”, as well as returning for season 3 and directing the episode “Chapter 20: The Foundling”. His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor.
He spoke fondly of this role during the recent Star Wars Celebration Europe event last year.
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