Carl Weathers, the former N.F.L. linebacker who made a successful transition to acting and is perhaps best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” film series, passed away on Thursday at the age of 76. His family announced that he had passed away peacefully in his sleep, although no cause of death was provided.
Weathers rose to fame in the 1970s as an accomplished athlete, playing for the Oakland Raiders and later in the Canadian Football League before pursuing a career in acting. He achieved widespread recognition for his portrayal of Apollo Creed, the charismatic and talented boxer who faced off against Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa in the iconic “Rocky” movies. The original film, released in 1976, was a critical and commercial success, winning the Academy Award for Best Picture.
In addition to his role as Apollo Creed, Weathers showcased his versatility as an actor, taking on diverse roles in both film and television. He gained further popularity for his portrayal of Chubbs Peterson in the comedy “Happy Gilmore,” alongside Adam Sandler, and made appearances in notable TV series like “The Mandalorian,” “Chicago Justice,” and “Chicago P.D.”
As a trailblazer in both the sporting and entertainment worlds, Weathers left a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring a new generation of athletes and actors alike. His legacy as a talented and multifaceted performer will continue to resonate with audiences around the world.
A full obituary detailing Weathers’ life and career will be released in the coming days, allowing fans and admirers to further celebrate his contributions to the entertainment industry.
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