LOS ANGELES (CelebrityAccess) — Carl Weathers, a former professional football player and actor, best known for his roles in films such as the Rocky franchise, has died. He was 76.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement on Friday. “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,” the statement continued. “He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
A Louisiana native, Weathers played college football at San Diego State University before signing with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1970.
He played just a handful of games in the NFL, followed by a brief stint in the Canadian Football League before he retired from professional football in 1974 to pursue a career in acting.
While his first roles were in blaxploitation films such as Bucktown, and Friday Foster, he got his first big break two years later when he was cast as Apollo Creed in director John G. Avildsen’s boxing epic “Rocky.” He would go on to reprise the role multiple times over the course of the franchise.
His film credits also include roles in Force 10 from Navarone, Predator, Happy Gilmore, and Action Jackson, among others.
Weathers appeared on the small screen as well, with roles in television shows such as Tour of Duty, The Shield, ER, Arrested Development, and the Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian.
After news of his death broke, friends and colleagues began to share sentiments about his passing.
“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,”Predator co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger shared via social media.
“Every minute with him — on set and off — was pure joy. He was the type of friend who pushes you to be your best just to keep up with him. I’ll miss him, and my thoughts are with his family,” he added.
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