Carl Weathers, born Jan. 14, 1948, in New Orleans, built a rare career that bridged professional football and Hollywood stardom, becoming one of the most recognizable screen presences of his generation.
Weathers grew up in a working-class family and earned an athletic scholarship, which set him on a path to become a multi-sport standout. After graduating from Long Beach Poly High School in 1966, he began his college football career at Long Beach City College before transferring to San Diego State University. There, he played for coach Don Coryell and helped lead the Aztecs to an undefeated 11-0 season and a Pasadena Bowl victory in 1969. While excelling on the field, Weathers also pursued acting, earning a master’s degree in theater arts.
Undrafted in the 1970 NFL draft, Weathers signed with the Oakland Raiders and played linebacker and later strong safety. He appeared in eight NFL games over two seasons before joining the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. By 1974, Weathers retired from football and fully committed to acting.
His breakthrough came in 1976 with Rocky, where he portrayed Apollo Creed, the flamboyant and formidable heavyweight champion. Weathers reprised the role in three sequels and the performances established him as a leading action star, followed by prominent roles in films such as Predator, Action Jackson and Happy Gilmore, where he revealed sharp comedic timing as the unforgettable Chubbs Peterson.
Photo Credit: LUIGI NOVI
Television also played a major role in his career. Weathers starred in series including Street Justice and In the Heat of the Night, later gaining renewed popularity for his self-parodying turn on Arrested Development. In the later stages of his career, he reached a new generation as Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, also stepping behind the camera as a director. His work on the series earned him an Emmy nomination.
Weathers died at his Los Angeles home on Feb. 1, 2024, at age 76 from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Later on August 29, 2024, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
