“Rocky” and “The Mandalorian” star Carl Weathers has died at 76

Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” films, died on Thursday, July 1, at the age of 76. In addition to his notable contributions to cinema, Weathers recently had a noteworthy performance in the series “The Mandalorian”, for which he was nominated for an Emmy.

Born on January 14, 1948 in New Orleans, Weathers had a diverse career that ranged from sports to acting in more than 75 films and series. Before his film career, he distinguished himself playing football at San Diego State University and later in the NFL, a professional sports league, playing for the Oakland Raiders. Weathers has also been a director, working on “The Mandalorian” and other TV series.

His move into acting was driven by his love of theater, a passion he cultivated while pursuing his athletic ambitions. His commitment to excellence and his ability to capture the humanity of his characters have made him a respected and beloved figure among colleagues and fans.

Rocky and the role of a lifetime

After small roles in 1970s blaxploitation productions and series, such as “Double Justice” and “Kung Fu,” Weathers landed his first major role: Apollo Creed in “Rocky” (1976). Inspired by Muhammad Ali, the character was the undefeated heavyweight champion, who agrees to face Rocky Balboa (the role that made Sylvester Stallone famous), a fighter unknown to the club, when the number 1 challenger gets injured and cannot perform a celebratory match. encounter. Weathers’ character wasn’t just the protagonist’s opponent in the ring; Creed was charismatic, confident and a born showman, whose vibrant personality contrasted with Balboa’s humility.

Creed, of course, wins the bloody and controversial confrontation in the film, which won the Oscar for best picture, but Balboa gets his revenge in “Rocky II” (1979).

Creed’s complexity, developed over the course of the films, revealed a man who valued honor, sport and friendship, elements that Weathers masterfully portrayed. In “Rocky II”, after another epic fight, Creed and Balboa develop a friendship that deepens in “Rocky III” (1982), where Creed becomes Rocky’s mentor and trainer, helping him rediscover his “hunger” to fight .

In the fourth film of 1985, however, even with Rocky at his side, he is killed in the ring by the Soviet boxer Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren). The character also inspired the derivative “Creed” (2015), which focused on his son (played by Michael B. Jordan).

Versatility and talent

Weathers consolidated his versatility in “Predator” (1987), where he played Colonel Al Dillon, comrade in arms of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s character, and in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” (1996), as the charismatic and wise golf mentor. by Arnold Schwarzenegger and Adam Sandler. Acting in such diverse productions highlighted his ability to move between film genres, leaving his mark on films that helped define their eras. His versatility was also demonstrated by voicing Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4” (2019) and playing a fictional version of himself in four episodes of the “Arrested Development” series (between 2004 and 2013).

In the most recent phase of his career, the actor has conquered a new audience with his participation in “The Mandalorian”, a series from the “Star Wars” universe available on Disney+. In the role of Greef Karga, leader of a guild of bounty hunters who becomes an ally of the protagonist, Weathers had a strong and decisive presence for the series. In addition to acting, he directed episodes, also demonstrating skill behind the camera. His performance earned him the only Emmy nomination of his career.

A fighter for humanity

Off-screen, Carl Weathers was known for his generous spirit. He has been involved in numerous philanthropic causes throughout his life, donating time and financial resources to organizations such as Feeding America and the Los Angeles Regional Food Bank, helping to fight hunger and food insecurity. Additionally, he has worked with programs aimed at educating and mentoring youth, partnering with entities such as Big Brothers Big Sisters and Boys & Girls Clubs of America, which offer support and guidance to youth who may not have access to positive role models in their lives.

Weathers has also expanded his philanthropic work beyond the borders of the United States, engaging in initiatives to improve access to clean water and healthcare in developing countries. She has collaborated with organizations such as Charity: Water and Doctors Without Borders, contributing to life-saving efforts around the world.

Source: Terra