Who is Carl Weathers?
Carl Weathers wasn’t just an actor—he was a force. From dominating the football field to bringing Apollo Creed to life in Rocky, he carved out a career that spanned decades, genres, and generations. Known for his commanding presence, athleticism, and ability to blend action with charisma, Weathers became an icon in sports movies, action films, and even comedy.
With roles in Predator, Happy Gilmore, and The Mandalorian, Weathers proved time and again that he was more than just Apollo Creed—he was a Hollywood legend.
When Was Carl Weathers Born?
Carl Weathers was born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana. Growing up in a working-class neighborhood, he relied on his athletic ability and relentless drive to push forward. Sports weren’t just a pastime—they were his ticket to a bigger world.
From the Gridiron to the Big Screen
Before he became a household name in Hollywood, Carl Weathers was a professional football player.
- College Football: Started at Long Beach City College before transferring to San Diego State University, where he became a key player for the Aztecs. Under legendary coach Don Coryell, Weathers helped lead the team to an 11-0 season and a Pasadena Bowl victory in 1969.
- NFL Career: Signed with the Oakland Raiders in 1970, playing as a linebacker. He was part of the team when they won the AFC West Division title and reached the AFC Championship Game.
- Canadian Football League: After a brief stint with the Raiders, he continued his football career with the BC Lions from 1971 to 1973.
Even while playing football, Weathers had his eyes on the future. During off-seasons, he studied drama at San Francisco State University, preparing for life after football. In 1974, he officially retired from the game to chase his Hollywood dream.
Carl Weathers in Hollywood: The Road to Apollo Creed
Weathers didn’t land a leading role overnight. He started with bit parts in commercials and minor TV appearances, including:
- Blaxploitation films like Bucktown (1975) and Friday Foster (1975)
- Guest roles in TV classics like Good Times, Kung Fu, Starsky & Hutch, and Barnaby Jones
His big break came when Sylvester Stallone was looking for an actor to play Apollo Creed—the loud, confident, and unstoppable heavyweight champion in Rocky (1976).
How Carl Weathers Landed the Role of Apollo Creed
When Weathers auditioned for Rocky, he didn’t hold back. After reading lines with Stallone, he bluntly said:
“I would’ve done much better if you gave me a real actor to read with.”
Stallone, who wasn’t a household name yet, loved the attitude. He knew immediately—this was Apollo Creed.
Weathers brought more than just acting chops to the role. His athleticism, natural confidence, and ability to embody the showmanship of real-life boxing legends like Muhammad Ali made Apollo one of the most iconic sports movie characters of all time.
Building the Apollo Creed Legacy
Weathers played Apollo in four Rocky films, evolving from Rocky’s rival to his closest friend.
- Rocky (1976): The flashy, overconfident champ who underestimates Balboa
- Rocky II (1979): The fighter desperate to prove his first win wasn’t a fluke
- Rocky III (1982): The humbled champion who trains Rocky after losing his title
- Rocky IV (1985): The proud warrior who takes on Ivan Drago in a fight that costs him his life
His death in Rocky IV was one of the most emotional moments in the franchise, setting the stage for Rocky’s revenge against Drago.
Beyond Rocky: Carl Weathers’ Acting Career
Weathers didn’t just play Apollo Creed—his career spanned action films, comedies, and TV roles that cemented his place in pop culture.
Action Movie Stardom
Weathers held his own alongside the biggest action stars of the 1980s.
- Predator (1987): Played Dillon, a CIA operative alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Action Jackson (1988): His own starring role as a no-nonsense Detroit cop
- Hurricane Smith (1992): A revenge thriller showcasing his tough-guy persona
Comedy & TV Appearances
Weathers also had a talent for comedy, often playing self-aware versions of himself.
- Happy Gilmore (1996): Played Chubbs Peterson, the wise (and one-handed) golf mentor
- Arrested Development (2004-2019): Played a cheapskate version of himself, coaching Tobias Fünke in acting
- The Mandalorian (2019-2023): Took on the role of Greef Karga, proving he could still command the screen decades later
When Did Carl Weathers Die?
Carl Weathers passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 76.
His death marked the loss of one of Hollywood’s most versatile and beloved actors—a man who went from the football field to becoming an on-screen legend.
Carl Weathers’ Legacy
Carl Weathers wasn’t just Apollo Creed. He wasn’t just an action star. He was a trailblazer, bringing strength, charisma, and depth to every role he played.
- He redefined sports movies with his portrayal of Apollo Creed
- He became an action icon in the ’80s
- He embraced comedy, proving he could do it all
- He mentored young actors and directors, always giving back to the industry that made him a star
Carl Weathers left behind a legacy of unforgettable performances, proving that talent, hard work, and confidence can take you anywhere.
