Carl Weathers Dies At 76: Known For Rocky, The Mandalorian

His family announced the actor passed in his sleep on Thursday.

His family announced the actor passed in his sleep on Thursday.

/ Friday, February 2, 2024 - 3:03PM
Carl Weathers Dies At 76

Carl Weathers has died at the age of 76.

The actor is known for a plethora of work including the Rocky movies, Predator, Happy Gilmore, and recently starred as Greef Karga in the Disney+ Star Wars The Mandalorian series.

The actor was also active on social media with his last tweets coming Jan. 31 remembering Burt Reynolds as well as tweets about social justice (see below).

The family of Carl Weathers announced he died on Thursday.

carl weathers rocky iv

Died peacefully in his sleep

“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.”

He was born Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans.

Carl Weathers was also a professional football player playing with the Oakland Raiders starting in 1970 as well as the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. He retired from football in 1970. His first gig in Hollywood is listed on IMDb as an uncredited role in 1973’s Magnum Force which starred Clint Eastwood. He next appeared in the Good Times and Kung Fu TV series in 1975, and in 1976 would star as Apollo in Rocky. Carl Weathers also voiced Combat Carl for Toy Story.

Stars respond:

Gina Carano responds in length as the two starred in The Mandalorian:

Hearing the news of Carl Weathers passing today is shocking, I’m going to struggle through these words…

I was so looking forward to giving Carl the biggest hug at one of these fan expos I heard we were both going to be at this year. I looked forward to that reunion.

Carl called me directly after I was fired. I wasn’t in an emotional state where I could pick up the phone because of how upset I was, but we did end up speaking later on. He was gentle and encouraging and didn’t want me to give up, he was letting me know that he wasn’t throwing me away, he was trying to keep my hope alive in what seemed like quite hopeless scenario, he showed me he cared. That is who he was.

I bonded with him very closely on Mando season 1&2. Jon Favreau felt he would be a good mentor for me because we shared the athlete turned actor bond, so Jon had him direct my first episode in season 2 of Mando. I believe had we gotten to Rangers of the New Republic, Carl would’ve directed me in much more. Jon F was right, we were a great fit.

Carl was a mentor to me on set, he would put both his arms on my shoulders and look me directly in the eyes to calm my spirit. He had a wonderful perspective of telling a story that can only come through his experience and wisdom that he shared with me to help make me shine. I cherish those moments.

I adored making him laugh, I always wanted to figure out how to make him smile, where the corner of his mouth would start to crack and I knew I had him, then out came his bellowing laugh. His laugh I can hear clearly now. His laugh that I will miss dearly.

His big booming voice echoed throughout the stage and you just knew, this is what a movie star truly is.

He obviously shined on screen but man did he light up with such passion in that directors chair.

I’m going to miss my friend and mentor and that mischievous little sparkle in his eye. He was one of the greats and quite a ground breaker. I am flooded by all the precious memories we had together.

My condolences to his family and loved ones. He was a great man. Rest in peace my dear friend. As he would say #Bepeace my friend Be peace.

Sylvester Stallone posted a video to Instagram: “We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching.”

Arnold Schwarzenegger who starred with Carl Weathers in Predator tweeted: “Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it.”

StarWars.com posted the following from Jon Favreau: “I am heartbroken by this devastating loss,” says Jon Favreau, creator of The Mandalorian. “He was a hero from my childhood who I was lucky enough to meet and then had the amazing good fortune to work with. He had the energy and curiosity of a young man paired with the wisdom that his rich life and career afforded him. My heart goes out to his family and countless admirers.”

Pedro Pascal also posted “words fail” on Instagram.

Adam Sandler, who starred with Weathers in Happy Gilmore, tweeted, “A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”

Jesse Ventura, who starred with Weathers in Predator, tweeted, “We lost an icon. Carl Weathers was a phenomenal talent, a true professional, and a dear friend. All my sympathies and love to his family. I loved working with him on Predator and then celebrating that film with him at various conventions in the ensuing years. Thank you, Carl.”

Carl Weathers social media posts:

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Matt McGloin
Matt McGloin created, designed and launched Cosmic Book News in 2008, an independent website that covers entertainment news including movies, comics, tv, video games and more.

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