Carl Weathers tributes: Adam Sandler calls Happy Gilmore co-star ‘a true legend’
Weathers played Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise and starred in films including ‘Predator’ and ‘Happy Gilmore’
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Tributes are pouring in for Rocky star Carl Weathers, who has died aged 76.
The acclaimed actor died in his sleep at his Los Angeles home on Thursday (1 February), his manager, Matt Luber, confirmed today.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” Luber said in a statement shared with The Hollywood Reporter.
“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.”
After a short career professional football, Weathers went on to be cast as Apollo Creed, the main antagonist in Rocky (1976) and Rocky II (1979), opposite Sylvester Stallone’s titular boxer Rocky Balboa.
In 1986, Weathers went on to star as CIA agent Dillon alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in his action sci-fi Predator.
Weathers is survived by his two sons. Tributes have quickly arrived from former collaborators such as Adam Sandler, who called his Happy Gilmore co-star “a true legend”.
Stan Collymore says “another part of the fabric of childhood passes on"
Among the many fans paying their respects to Weathers is the former Liverpool and Aston Villa footballer Stan Collymore, who writes: “Another part of the fabric of childhood passes on. Rest in Peace, Carl Weathers, AKA Apollo Creed. ‘There is no tomorrow!’”
Magic Johnson remembers a “truly amazing actor and entertainer”
Former basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson recalled his favourite Weathers roles, writing: “Rest in peace to the truly amazing actor and entertainer, Carl Weathers. We all marveled at his talents on the big screen in the “Rocky” franchise as Apollo Creed, and I really enjoyed him in his role as the police chief in the hit TV show “In the Heat of the Night”! Cookie and I are praying for the Weathers family during this difficult time.”
Carl Weathers’ best TV and movie moments
The Independent’s video team have put together this compilation featuring some of Weathers’ finest moments from Happy Gilmore, Arrested Development, Predator, Rocky II and The Mandalorian.
Arnold Schwarzenegger says: “We couldn’t have made Predator without him”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred alongside Weathers in 1987’s Predator, has posted a heartfelt tribute to his friend and co-star.
“Carl Weathers will always be a legend,” wrote Schwarzenegger. “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. 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.”
Michael Warburton shares classic footage of Weathers and Stallone
The Strays star Michael Warburton shared some classic footage of Weathers and Stallone choreographing a fight scene for Rocky.
Michael Strahan: 'It was an honor and privilege to play your son’
Michael Strahan, who played Weathers’s son on Brothers took to X to share a tribute to the late actor. “RIP to the great Carl Weathers,” he wrote.
“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 and condolences to the Weathers family. RIP my friend.”
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