The Mandalorian and Rocky star Carl Weathers died at the age of 76 according to a statement from his family.
Carl Weathers is Greef Karga in THE MANDALORIAN, season two, exclusively on Disney+
As reported by Deadline, Weathers’ family confirmed the actor’s death saying, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.”
They added, “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.”
Carl Weathers as Apollo Creed in Rocky IV (1984), MGM
Weathers was born on January 14, 1948 in New Orleans. He’s known for his iconic roles in a number of films from the 70s and 80s. He began as a television actor with small roles in popular shows such as Kung Fu and The Six Million Dollar Man in the mid 70s.
He hit stardom in 1976’s Rocky where he starred as Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa. He would reprise his role as Creed in Rocky II, Rocky III, and Rocky IV. He would also star in 1987’s Predator.
Carl Weathers as Dillon in Predator (1987), 20th Century Fox
Following his success with the Rocky franchise he returned to television where he starred as Inspector Hampton Forbes and later Chief Hampton Forbes in In the Heat of the Night from 1993 to 1995.
Weathers’ most recent role was Greef Karga in Lucasfilm’s The Mandalorian series, where he played the head of a local bounty hunter guild who became the High Magistrate of the planet Nevarro.
(L-R): Nevarro copper droid (Chris Bartlett), Greef Karga (Carl Weathers) and Grogu in Lucasfilm’s THE MANDALORIAN, season three, exclusively on Disney+. ©.
While Weathers is most well-known as an actor. He also played for the Oakland Raiders in the National Football League. He played 7 games for the team in 1970 and helped them win the AFC West Division Title. He would be released by the Raiders in 1971 after they converted him to strong safety from linebacker.
After his time in the NFL ended he played in the Canadian Football League for the BC Lions. He retired from football in 1974 and began pursuing his acting career.
He will be deeply missed by his family, friends, and fans, who will remember him for his talent, dedication, and spirit. Rest in peace, Carl Weathers.
I will remember the way Weather’s character is greeted in The Predator. I think and hope the man is remembered not just for strength but for the strength of his friendship. Of note to me is Carl’s defense of Gina. I hope sincerely that there are those at Disney and Lucasfilm who reflect on how sand in the hour glasses of our lives is running out and they decide to do what is good for others. Rest in peace Mr. Weathers.