Beloved Actor Carl Weathers’ Cause of Death Revealed: Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Disease
The entertainment industry mourns the loss of beloved actor Carl Weathers, who passed away in his sleep on February 2nd. The official cause of death has now been revealed as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to his death certificate obtained by The Blast. Weathers, best known for his iconic role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise, had been battling the heart condition for years.
The 76-year-old actor died at his home in Venice, California, just after midnight. His son, Matthew Weathers, was the one who notified authorities of his father’s passing. Following his death, Weathers was cremated, as stated on the death certificate.
In a statement released by his family, they described Weathers as an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. They acknowledged his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, which have left an indelible mark on the world and across generations. Weathers was not only a beloved actor but also a cherished brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.
Born in New Orleans in 1948, Carl Weathers had a remarkable Hollywood career that spanned over 50 years. He portrayed memorable characters in films such as “Predator,” “Happy Gilmore,” and most recently, “The Mandalorian.” However, it is his portrayal of the fictional boxer Apollo Creed that will forever be etched in the hearts of fans.
Weathers first appeared as Apollo Creed in 1976’s “Rocky,” captivating audiences with his charisma and athleticism. He reprised the role in two sequels, “Rocky II” (1979) and “Rocky III” (1982). The character met a tragic end in the ring at the hands of Ivan Drogo (played by Dolph Lundgren) in 1985’s “Rocky IV.” However, Apollo Creed’s legacy lives on through Michael B. Jordan’s portrayal of his son, Adonis, in the recent “Creed” movies.
Aside from his role as Apollo Creed, Weathers lent his talents to various other projects. He voiced Combat Carl in the beloved “Toy Story” franchise and portrayed a fictionalized version of himself on the hit show “Arrested Development.” He also made appearances on popular TV shows like “The Shield,” “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “Chicago P.D.,” and “Brothers.”
Weathers’ exceptional performance in the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian” earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series in 2021. His versatility as an actor allowed him to leave a lasting impact across different genres and mediums.
Before his successful acting career, Weathers had a promising football career. He played college football at San Diego State University and later signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1970. He played in the NFL for two seasons, showcasing his skills as a linebacker and strong safety.
Despite his passing, Carl Weathers’ presence will still be felt during this year’s Super Bowl. Prior to his death, he filmed a commercial for FanDuel alongside former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, which will air during the big game on Sunday.
The loss of Carl Weathers leaves a void in the entertainment industry, but his legacy will continue to inspire and entertain audiences for years to come. His remarkable talent, dedication, and warm personality have left an indelible mark on the hearts of fans worldwide. As we bid farewell to this extraordinary actor, we remember him not only for his iconic roles but also as a beloved family man and friend.
