This is a tough year for many fans of the 1980s through now as we lost another star with news of Carl Weathers passing at 76 years of age.
In a career that spanned decades, he touched many people through his roles on various shows like ‘Tour of Duty’ and most recently Disney’s Star Wars ‘The Mandalorian’.
For us, it goes back further as we first saw him in the first four ‘Rocky’ movies with Sylvester Stallone as Apollo Creed.
Stallone based the Creed character off Mohammed Ali with his charisma and skill, and Weathers fit the role perfectly as he started out as Rocky’s brass ring and rival, and later his best friend and trainer.
More memories than we can count
It’s a disservice to Weathers for remembering him for one or two roles as he had so many memorable ones, like in ‘Happy Gilmore’ with Adam Sandler, where he suffered an injury after a stunt that caused him pain for years.
Or his role as Dillon in ‘Predator’ alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger.
A former NFL player with the Oakland Raiders (undrafted) and then a career in the Canadian Football League, he turned to acting I the early 1970s with ‘Rocky’ being his breakout role.
It’s the mark of a great legacy to leave behind so many fond memories as well as how we treat people, and Weathers was a class act and will be missed.
Turning the page
As news of Weather’s passing spread across social media, Deadline shared the story as well as a statement from his family.
“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.”
Weathers as born on January 14, 1948 in New Orleans and over the course of his five decade long career he appeared in 75 plus shows and movies, most recently in ‘The Mandalorian’ where he played Greef Karga, the head of the Bounty Hunters Guild throughout the series three seasons.
It’s never easy saying goodbye to someone we spent a lifetime watching, so we’re just going to say see you down the road.
What’s your favorite movie of show with Carl Weathers? Let us know in the comments below and check back with Daily Soap Dish for your entertainment and soap opera news.