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Entertainment • Actor

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers was an American actor, director, and former professional football player known for playing Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Carl Weathers was an American actor, director, and former professional football player. He is best known for portraying Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films, and also appeared in Predator, Happy Gilmore, Arrested Development, and The Mandalorian. Weathers died on February 2, 2024, at the age of 76.

Early life and sports career

Carl Weathers was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 14, 1948. He built an early career in professional American football, playing in the NFL and also for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League. This sports background preceded his transition into acting.

Acting career

Weathers became widely known for his role as Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films. He later appeared in a range of films and television series, including Predator, Happy Gilmore, Little Nicky, and Arrested Development, where he played a fictionalized version of himself.

Later television work

In his later career, Weathers appeared in television series such as Arrested Development and The Mandalorian. These roles helped renew his visibility with younger audiences.

Death and legacy

Carl Weathers died on February 2, 2024, at the age of 76. He is remembered as both a notable screen actor and a former professional athlete.

Key facts

  • Carl Weathers was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 14, 1948.
  • He became widely known for portraying Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films.
  • Before acting, he played professional American football, including in the NFL and the CFL's BC Lions.
  • He also appeared in Predator, Happy Gilmore, Little Nicky, Arrested Development, and The Mandalorian.
  • He died on February 2, 2024, at the age of 76.
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Canadian context

Carl Weathers also played for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League before becoming better known as an actor.

Frequently asked questions

How old is Carl Weathers?
Carl Weathers was 76 when he died on February 2, 2024.
Did Carl Weathers die?
Yes. He died on February 2, 2024.
Who played Apollo Creed?
Carl Weathers played Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films.
What was Carl Weathers in besides Rocky?
He also appeared in Predator, Happy Gilmore, Little Nicky, Arrested Development, and The Mandalorian.
Was Carl Weathers in Arrested Development?
Yes. He appeared in Arrested Development as a fictionalized version of himself.
What sport did Carl Weathers play?
He played professional American football.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carl_Weathers
    Supports: Birth and death dates, age at death, Apollo Creed role, acting credits, and football career.
  2. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-68188746
    Supports: Death at age 76, Apollo Creed role, prior NFL linebacker career, and appearance in Arrested Development.
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0001835/
    Supports: Football background and retirement from sport, with acting career transition.
  4. TV Insider — https://www.tvinsider.com/people/carl-weathers/
    Supports: Birth and death dates and Arrested Development role as a fictional version of himself.
  5. The Movie Database — https://www.themoviedb.org/person/1101-carl-weathers?language=en-US
    Supports: Film and television credits including Rocky, Predator, Happy Gilmore, Little Nicky, The Mandalorian, and Arrested Development.
  6. Famous Birthdays — https://www.famousbirthdays.com/people/carl-weathers.html
    Supports: Canadian Football League connection through the BC Lions.