Carl Weathers Dies: The iconic Rocky, Predator, and Action Jackson actor was 76

Last Updated on March 5, 2024

Like an Apollo Creed uppercut to the senses, we’ve learned that Carl Weathers, the iconic actor in the Rocky film franchise, Predator, The Mandalorian, Happy Gilmore, Action Jackson, and so much more, has passed away at 76.

“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 was a titan of the silver screen and television domain with over 75 credits across his 50-year career. He is best known for playing Apollo Creed, Rocky Balboa’s rival-turned-friend in the Rocky film franchise. As the Master of Disaster, Apollo Creed was partly inspired by Muhammad Ali and remains the Italian Stallion’s most iconic opponent alongside Dolph Lundgren’s Ivan Drago.

As a champion of action cinema, Weathers played Colonel Al Dillon in 1987’s Predator. Attached to Major “Dutch” Schaefer (Arnold Schwarzenegger) in the fight against a hostile alien game hunter, Dillon’s ability to wreck shop alongside Dutch is aspirational and the stuff of action cinema legend.

Weathers also leads the 1988 crime comedy Action Jackson. In one of the actor’s most unforgettable roles, ‘Action’ Jackson pursues a power-hungry auto magnate who eliminates his competition until he corners the market. With snappy one-liners galore and adrenaline coursing through his veins, Weathers’ performance in Action Jackson delivers heat, humor, and grandeur.

Younger generations may know Weathers as the strict but lovable golf instructor Derick “Chubbs” Peterson from Adam Sandler’s comedy smash Happy Gilmore. As Chubbs, Weathers demonstrates his knack for comedy, complimenting Sandler’s hot-tempered Happy and giving gators a reason to stay off the golf course.

In addition to his role as an outstanding actor, Weathers was an accomplished director, with episodes of Hawaii Five-O, The Last O.G., Law & Order, FBI, Chicago Med, and The Mandalorian to his name. Though he directed two episodes of the popular Star Wars series, he also appeared in nine episodes as Greef Karga, the former disgraced magistrate and Guild Master of the Nevarro Hunters.

Eager to step into the sound booth, Carl Weathers lends his mellifluous vocals to several characters across animation, video games, and more. In 2021, Weathers played Lightman for the Beethoven & Dinosaur and Annapurna-published video game The Artful Escape. He voices Captain Carl in Toy Story 4, the Dillon skin for Jax in Mortal Kombat X, and more!

Beyond his contributions to Hollywood, Carl used his celebrity to raise awareness for worthy causes and organizations, including Lupus L.A., The L.A. Police Memorial Foundation, The PEACE Fund, and The Tower Cancer Research Foundation.

News about Weathers’ death is already sending shockwaves through the JoBlo community. Emails are flying with expressions of shock, while some are already brainstorming how to honor such a legendary actor and incredible human being. We want to extend our sincere condolences to Mr. Weathers’ family, friends, and fans during this difficult time. We wish Mr. Weathers safe passage to the Hereafter and will continue to admire and appreciate all the gifts he gave to the world. Check out our homage to Predator, as part of our 80s Horror Movie Memories Video, that went up today, below.