Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed from ‘Rocky,’ Dead at 76

Carl Weathers — well-known from numerous films, however most prominently as Sylvester Stallone‘s early nemesis within the ‘Rocky’ films — has sadly died … TMZ has confirmed.

The beloved actor handed away peacefully Thursday whereas surrounded by family members — this in line with an announcement from his household. They are saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.”

They add, “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.”

Unclear what illnesses, if any, Carl could have been battling these days … he’d been actively performing lately — and on the floor, there did not appear to be a lot improper with him.

In any case … it is an absolute blow to showbiz — Carl was a titan within the film business, with performing credit relationship again to the early Nineteen Seventies when he was visitor starring on reveals like ‘Good Instances,’ ‘Kung Fu,’ ‘S.W.A.T.,’ ‘The Six Million Greenback Man,’ ‘Cannon’ ‘McCloud’ and extra.

His true large break got here courtesy of Sly … Carl was forged because the brash and daring heavyweight champ of the world, Apollo, and he was pitted in opposition to Rocky within the ring for 2 movies.

His character caught round for one more two ‘Rocky’ movies … within the third one, he really introduced the Italian Stallion out of a stoop and again to glory with a brand new kind of coaching he’d by no means skilled … making for some iconic, memorable scenes as a part of a montage.

The shot of them slow-mo working on the seaside, and Sly ultimately pulling forward, goes down in film historical past as one of the crucial superior and provoking issues caught on digicam.

Apollo was killed off in ‘Rocky IV’ — in dramatic trend, no much less — however his imprint in that film franchise lives on even right this moment … Michael B. Jordan performs his fictional son within the ‘Creed’ flicks, that are nonetheless going robust — and which proceed to be cranked out in Hollywood.

Even outdoors of ‘Rocky,’ Carl’s presence left an impression in nearly each cult traditional flick he is been part of. Simply to call just a few proper off the bat — ‘Predator,’ ‘Pleased Gilmore,’ ‘Motion Jackson,’ ‘The Defiant Ones,’ ‘Braker,’ ‘Dying Hunt,’ ‘Hurricane Smith,’ and others.

His TV credit are additionally fairly spectacular … CW was on reveals like ‘Fortune Dane,’ ‘Tour of Obligation,’ ‘Avenue Justice,’ ‘Within the Warmth of the Night time,’ ‘Brothers,’ ‘The Defend,’ ‘Arrested Improvement,’ ‘Chicago Justice,’ … and extra lately, in Star Wars’ ‘The Mandalorian.’

He’d appeared in episodes of the latter as lately as 2023. In all, he has 80 performing credit.

Outdoors of Hollywood, Carl was concerned in noble charitable efforts — together with Lupus L.A., The L.A. Police Memorial Basis, The PEACE Fund and The Tower Most cancers Analysis Basis.

He is survived by his two sons. Carl was 76.