Tributes For Carl Weathers, ‘Apollo Creed’ in ‘Rocky’ Films

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A scene from the original Rocky film

Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed, the boxing opponent opposite Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa in the first two Rocky movies and later as the unlikely ally of the titular character in the next two sequels, died Thursday (February 1, 2024). Weathers, 77, who briefly played professional football with the NFL’s Oakland Raiders, ultimately enjoyed a busy acting career with dozens of film and TV roles, perhaps most notably in 1987’s Predator as a fellow Vietnam War veteran and friend of the film’s star, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and later in TV’s The Mandalorian. When news of the well-liked actor’s death at his Los Angeles home was announced on Feb. 2, tributes arrived from Stallone and many of his Hollywood co-stars.

In a tribute on Instagram, Stallone wrote, “My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers.” Schwarzenegger called Weathers “a legend,” adding, “We couldn’t have made Predator without him.” His The Mandalorian co-star, Giancarlo Esposito, called him “one of the most wonderful human beings I have had the honor & pleasure of spending time with.” Professional wrestler, actor and politician Jesse Ventura called Williams “a phenomenal talent, a true professional, and a dear friend.” Adam Sandler, who cast Williams in several films, wrote, “Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell.”

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. pic.twitter.com/q4CWVVeyTK

— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 2, 2024

I will sorely miss my dear friend & brother Carl Weathers. You are truly one of the most wonderful human beings I have had the honor & pleasure of spending time with! I am grateful for your influence & support of all things good in my life. This is how I will always remember you. pic.twitter.com/CCH9yhxnU7

— Giancarlo Esposito (@quiethandfilms) February 2, 2024

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. pic.twitter.com/29OJoe8qcu

— Jesse Ventura (@GovJVentura) February 2, 2024

Carl Weathers, forever a member of the Lucasfilm family, died Thursday. He was 76.https://t.co/GwVdZ37dpq pic.twitter.com/5HUlRawy3j

— Star Wars (@starwars) February 2, 2024

Following smaller guest roles in TV’s The Six Million Dollar Man, Kung Fu, and others, Weathers was cast as the reigning World Heavyweight Boxing champion in Stallone’s surprise smash hit 1976 film, Rocky. The Apollo Creed character needed a substitute for a match in Philadelphia and the journeyman boxer Balboa is selected for the payday that will easily surpass his career earnings. While no one gave Stallone’s underdog character a chance, he defied all expectations by finishing the fight, though losing in a split decision.

Rocky was made for less than $1 million and ultimately earned an astonishing $225 million at the box-office. The film went on to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards.

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… pic.twitter.com/Gi2lPWFTgt

— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) February 2, 2024

RIP to the great Carl Weathers. It was an honor and privilege to play your son on the sitcom, Brothers!! You were an inspiration that made me feel like my dreams were attainable because you came from sports and conquered entertainment. You are loved and will be missed! My love… pic.twitter.com/jtPE8Re7HA

— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) February 2, 2024