Rocky Actor Carl Weathers Dies at 76 _ E! News

Transcript

00:00 Actor Carl Weathers has died.

00:02 The celeb was best known as Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies,

00:06 and more recently for his role in the hit Star Wars series, The Mandalorian.

00:11 The news of the Louisiana native's passing has been confirmed by his manager, Matt Luber, to NBC News,

00:17 with his family saying in a statement, "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.

00:23 He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.

00:28 Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life."

00:33 The statement continues, "Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports,

00:39 he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations.

00:45 He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend."

00:50 Carl, who began his career as a linebacker for the Oakland Raiders, made his transition to acting in 1975.

00:57 Scoring his big break just a year later when he landed the role of Apollo Creed in Rocky.

01:03 Come on, Rock. It's not a game. You want to live in the hospital for five weeks this time?

01:09 You thought I was tough? This jump will kill you.

01:12 All right.

01:13 Come on, come on. Get your head on your shoulders, man.

01:16 Think about the fight. Think about the fight.

01:18 Clubber Langsdon, he's trying to hurt you, Rock. He's trying to hurt you.

01:21 Okay, here it comes. Jab. He's jabbing. He's jabbing. He's trying to hurt you.

01:25 He went on to play the character in three other Rocky movies.

01:29 Weathers also landed parts in 1987's Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

01:35 In Adam Sandler's Happy Gilmore in 1996.

01:39 Yeah, what happened?

01:40 They wouldn't let me play on the pro tour anymore.

01:43 Oh, I'm sorry. Because you're black?

01:45 Hell no. Damn alligator bit my hand off.

01:48 Oh my God.

01:49 Yeah. Tournament down in Florida. I hooked my ball in the rough down by the lake.

01:53 Damn, the alligator just popped up. Cut me down on my prime.

01:57 And on the small screen in The Mandalorian, which scored him an Emmy nomination in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor.

02:05 And you come here, little one.

02:10 Has Mando been taking good care of you, huh? Have you been taking good care of him?

02:15 Yeah.

02:16 Carl Weathers was 76 years old.

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