Carl Weathers: A Man For All Seasons
We lost a good one in early February, with the passing of Carl Weathers at the age of 76.
A linebacker for the Oakland Raiders in the early seventies, Weathers’ versatility beyond sports became obvious with his breakout role on the silver screen in 1976 as the bombastic Apollo Creed in the original Rocky movie. He’d reprise this role in three subsequent Rocky movies. Seldom a main character, Weathers was exceptional in strong supporting roles in Predator, Happy Gilmore, the Mandalorian series, and many other film and TV projects.
His presence, booming voice, and sense of humor always guaranteed a memorable character that would help carry a film.
He credited his athletic career for providing a bedrock of discipline, attention to detail, and fearlessness in his movie career. The outpouring of sentiment from many who knew him is a testament to his work and his value as a person; Weathers will truly be missed.
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