It is with the heaviest of hearts that we have learned of the death of Carl Weathers at the age of 76. The New Orleans starred in more than 75 movies and TV shows in his career, and had been experiencing a career resurgence thanks to his role on The Mandalorian as Greef Karga. But he will always be known best for playing Apollo Creed in four Rocky movies, along with other key roles in Predator, Happy Gilmore, and Toy Story 4 where he voiced Combat Carl.
But it was his starring role in 1988’s Action Jackson that showed Weathers’ true leading man potential and box office star power. The film earned $65M on a small budget and nearly launched a franchise for Weathers, only for behind-the-scenes business to scuttle any hope of sequels.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” his family said in a statement reported by Deadline. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. 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.”
As someone who looked up to Weathers ever since I was a kid, and basically worship at the altar of Action Jackson, Predator, and pretty much everything he did, this one is a devastating loss. Punch Drunk Critics sends our sincerest condolences to Weathers’ friends and family in their time of sorrow.
