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’

Carl Weathers best TV and movie moments as actor dies aged 76

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”.

[2 February 2024 20:39 · Kevin Perry]

Adam Sandler calls Weathers: “a true great man"

Adam Sandler, who cast Weathers in Happy Gilmore, posted a heartfelt tribute: “A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”

[2 February 2024 20:49 · Kevin Perry]

Jesse Ventura pays tribute to "an icon”

Jesse Ventura, the former Governor of Minnesota who also starred alongside Weathers in Predator, writes: “We lost an icon. Carl Weathers was a phenomenal talent, a true professional, and a dear friend. All my sympathies and love to his family. I loved working with him on Predator and then celebrating that film with him at various conventions in the ensuing years. Thank you, Carl.”

[2 February 2024 20:57 · Kevin Perry]

Weathers’ manager calls him “an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life"

Weathers’ death was confirmed by his manager Matt Luber, who said in a statement: “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.”

[2 February 2024 21:04 · Kevin Perry]

Robert Rodriguez says Weathers’ performances “were always electrifying"

Director Robert Rodriguez, who worked with Weathers on projects including The Mandalorian, wrote on X/Twitter: “Will miss the great Carl Weathers who I was very fortunate to work with on several occasions. A very kind and generous person. His performances were always electrifying and he was also a terrific director of both stage and screen.”

[2 February 2024 21:10 · Kevin Perry]

Dane Cook reveals the Weathers moment that inspired him

Stand-up comedian Dane Cook singled out a specific moment from Rocky which he says inspired him: “RIP to the legend Carl Weathers. This moment, your delivery of it in Rocky inspired me the moment I heard it. I live my life by it. Your voice and performance gave me belief. I love you for that. Rest in peace & power man.”

[2 February 2024 21:17 · Kevin Perry]

Leslie Jones: “Say it ain’t so!”

Former Saturday Night Live star Leslie Jones posted a short, shocked reaction to news of Weathers’ death: “Say it ain’t so!! Apollo Creed!! RIP TO MR. Carl Weathers!”

[2 February 2024 21:19 · Kevin Perry]

Pedro Pasal says “words fail” after death of Mandalorian co-star

Pedro Pascal, who starred in The Mandalorian opposite Weathers, wrote on Instagram: “words fail”.

[2 February 2024 21:27 · Kevin Perry]

Robert Griffin III says: “RIP to a legend"

Weathers was much-loved in the NFL world, and former Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is among those paying tribute today.

“Carl Weathers has passed away at the age of 76,” he wrote. “There is no Rocky without Apollo Creed and we were lucky that Carl brought him to life. RIP to a legend.”

[2 February 2024 21:30 · Kevin Perry]

Jon Lovitz remembers “a wonderful actor and athlete"

Comedian and actor Jon Lovitz writes: “God bless Carl Weathers. A wonderful actor and athlete. I got to know him years ago. He hosted SNL and was so great to work with. So great in Rocky. And such a nice guy. Another good guy, gone. This is very sad news. God bless him and his family.”

[2 February 2024 21:39 · Kevin Perry]

Mark Hamill reflects on “losing so many great Americans"

Stars Wars star Mark Hamill, who played Luke Skywalker in the franchise, wrote a message on X/Twitter paying tribute to Weathers, Broadway legend Chita Rivera and civil rights activist and talk show host Joe Madison: “It’s been really hard losing so many great Americans recently, but deeply grateful we had them as long as we did. #RIP_ChitaRivera #RIP_JoeMadison #RIP_CarlWeathers”