Introduction

Carl Weathers, born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, was a multifaceted talent who made significant contributions to film, television, and sports. His remarkable journey from the football field to Hollywood stardom left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Let’s delve into the life and career of this legendary actor.

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Early Life and Football Career

• Birthplace: New Orleans, Louisiana
• Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)

Weathers was a renowned football star during his college years. As a defensive end, he played for the San Diego State University Aztecs, helping them secure the Pasadena Bowl victory in 1969. His professional football career included stints with the Oakland Raiders and the BC Lions in the early ’70s. However, Weathers decided to retire from football in 1974 to pursue his true passion: acting.

Carl Weathers: From Football Star to Silver Screen:

He landed his breakthrough role in 1976 with the iconic film “Rocky,” portraying the flamboyant boxer Apollo Creed, a rival turned friend of Sylvester Stallone’s underdog Rocky Balboa. Weathers reprised the role in three sequels, solidifying his place in cinematic history.

Apollo Creed: The Rocky Legacy

Weathers gained widespread recognition for portraying Apollo Creed in the iconic Rocky film series (1976–1985). Initially, the role was intended for real-life boxer Ken Norton, but Weathers’s charisma and talent secured him the part. The adversarial relationship between Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa eventually evolved into a warm friendship, leaving an indelible mark on cinema history.

Predator and Beyond

Weathers’s Hollywood journey extended beyond the boxing ring. In 1987, he starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the sci-fi action thriller Predator. His portrayal of Dillon, a tough-as-nails soldier, showcased his commanding presence. Despite mixed reviews, Weathers continued to explore diverse roles. Notably, he headlined the action film Action Jackson (1988) and displayed his comedic flair as Chubbs Peterson in the blockbuster Happy Gilmore (1996).

In the Heat of the Night

Transitioning to television, Weathers graced screens in the critically acclaimed series In the Heat of the Night. His portrayal of Dillon, a police officer in a racially charged Southern town, resonated with viewers. The two-hour TV specials allowed Weathers to flex his acting muscles, proving his versatility beyond the big screen.

The Mandalorian: Greef Karga

In recent years, Weathers made a triumphant return to the small screen in The Mandalorian, a groundbreaking Star Wars spin-off series. As Greef Karga, a savvy guild leader and former Rebel shock trooper, Weathers delivered an Emmy-nominated performance. His character’s complexities and leadership added depth to the show’s narrative. Notably, Weathers also directed two episodes, showcasing his creative prowess.

Carl Weathers: Spouses and Relationships

Carl Weathers had a colorful romantic history, with three marriages that shaped his personal life:

1. Mary Ann Castle:

• Mary Ann Castle was Carl’s first wife. They married in 1973, the same year he made his debut in the entertainment industry.
• Together, they had two sons: Matthew Weathers and Jason Weathers.
• Unfortunately, their marriage ended in divorce in 1983.

1. Rhona Unsell:

• Carl’s second marriage was to Rhona Unsell in February 1984.
• Rhona was by his side during his Hollywood stardom, especially after his appearances in three Rocky movies.
• Their marriage lasted an impressive 22 years before they parted ways in 2006. Despite their long union, they did not have any children together.

1. Jennifer Peterson:

• Jennifer Peterson became Carl’s third wife in March 2007, just a year after his second divorce.
• At this point, Carl was deeply entrenched in his acting career, prioritizing television appearances over movie roles.
• Jennifer, an award-winning creative content producer, director, and writer, brought her own talents to the relationship.
• Unfortunately, their marriage lasted only two years, ending in January 2009.

Carl Weathers Net Worth

Carl Weathers achieved financial success through a combination of acting, directing, producing, and other ventures. His net worth stands at an impressive $8 million.

• His acting credits include iconic roles like Apollo Creed in the Rocky films, Colonel Al Dillon in Predator, Jericho “Action” Jackson in Action Jackson, and Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore.
• Weathers also portrayed a fictionalized version of himself in the critically acclaimed series Arrested Development and played Greef Karga in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian.
• Beyond acting, he directed episodes of various TV shows and produced projects like The Defiant Ones and Always Night.
• Additionally, Weathers is actively involved in philanthropic work, supporting organizations like the Big Brothers Association.

Notable TV Shows

Let’s explore some of the TV shows that featured Carl Weathers:

1. The Mandalorian (2019–2023):

• In this Star Wars spin-off series, Weathers portrayed Greef Karga, a savvy guild leader and former Rebel shock trooper.
• His Emmy-nominated performance added depth to the show’s narrative.

1. In the Heat of the Night (1988):

• Weathers starred in four two-hour TV specials based on the acclaimed film and TV series.
• His portrayal resonated with both critics and viewers.

1. Arrested Development (2004; 2013):

• Weathers played a fictionalized version of himself in this beloved comedy series.
• His appearances added humor and charm to the show.

How Did Carl Weathers Lose His Hand?

In the action-packed film Predator, Weathers’s character, Dillon, faces off against the titular monster. During a tense confrontation, the Predator ruthlessly blows off Dillon’s arm. This memorable scene left an indelible mark on Weathers’s career. Interestingly, when he later starred in the Adam Sandler sports comedy Happy Gilmore, his character was also missing a hand—an homage to his classic action role1.

Carl Weathers’s Death

On February 1, 2024, the entertainment world mourned the loss of Carl Weathers. Known for his roles as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films and his appearances in Predator, The Mandalorian, Happy Gilmore, and more, Weathers left an indelible legacy. His family released a statement confirming that he passed away “peacefully in his sleep.” Weathers was not only an exceptional actor but also a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend. His contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports resonate worldwide and across generations.

The Rocky Connection

Weathers’s breakout role came in 1976’s Rocky, where he portrayed the cocky, undisputed heavyweight world champion, Apollo Creed. Originally intended for real-life boxer Ken Norton, the role fell into Weathers’s capable hands after he criticized Sylvester Stallone’s acting during his audition. The success of Rocky catapulted Weathers’s career, and he continued to shine in the next three Rocky movies. His character’s memorable demise occurred in 1984’s Rocky IV, where Apollo Creed faced off against the hulking, steroid-using Soviet Ivan Drago. James Brown’s electrifying performance of “Living in America” set the stage for Creed’s tragic end in the boxing ring, leaving fans both heartbroken and inspired5.

A Multifaceted Talent

Weathers’s journey extended beyond the boxing ring. He flexed his pecs alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987’s Predator and wielded a flamethrower in 1988’s nouveau blaxploitation flick Action Jackson. His comedic flair shone in Happy Gilmore, where he added a false wooden hand to play a gold pro. Weathers’s versatility also graced the small screen, from his role as an acting coach in Arrested Development to voicing Combat Carl in Toy Story 4. Most recently, he portrayed Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, earning an Emmy Award nomination for outstanding guest actor in a drama series. His creative spirit and impact will be remembered by fans and fellow artists alike.