The Former NFL Linebacker and Movie Star Died Thursday
(Source Florida Sun):
Actor Carl Weathers, who was best known for staring in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky films, died on Thursday according to his manager Matt Luber.
In addition to starring opposite Sylvester Stallone in Rocky as Apollo Creed, some of his other roles include starring in The Mandalorian on Disney+, Predator, Action Jackson, briefly in Steven Spielberg’s Close Encounters of the Third Kind, and he was the voice of Combat Carl in Toy Story 4.
Weathers appeared as Greef Karga in several episodes of the first season of the Star Wars series, The Mandalorian. He returned for the second season and also directed the episode “Chapter 12: The Siege”. He then returned for season 3 and directed the episode “Chapter 20: The Foundling.” His performance earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor.
In addition to acting Weathers enjoyed athletics. He was involved in boxing, football, gymnastics, judo, soccer and wrestling.
He started his college career in 1966 at Long Beach City College where he played football as a defensive end. He later transferred and played for San Diego State University. Weathers received a master in theatre arts from San Diego State.
After college, Weathers signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1970 as a linebacker. Weathers helped lead the Raiders to win the AFC West Division title.
According to a statement released by his family, Weathers died “peacefully in his sleep.”
