Carl Weathers, the esteemed actor celebrated for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” film series and his recent role in “The Mandalorian,” passed away earlier this month, leaving fans and colleagues alike in mourning. The cause of his death has now been officially disclosed as atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, as reported by The Blast. This condition, as explained by Johns Hopkins Medicine, involves the thickening or hardening of the arteries due to plaque accumulation, leading to heart disease, a battle Weathers faced for years. His death, which occurred in his Venice, California home on February 2nd, was classified as natural.
Weathers’s transition from a professional football player with the Oakland Raiders to a stellar acting career marked a significant chapter in his life. His dynamic portrayal of Apollo Creed against Sylvester Stallone’s iconic character in four installments of the “Rocky” saga is fondly remembered by fans around the globe. Moreover, his contribution to “The Mandalorian” further solidified his status as a versatile and much-loved actor. Beyond his well-known roles, Weathers also starred in the 1987 action-packed film “Action Jackson,” showcasing his ability to lead with charisma and intensity.
The news of his passing has stirred a wave of tributes from costars and fans, highlighting the profound impact he had on the film and television industry. Prior to his death, Weathers was involved in a Super Bowl commercial for FanDuel, which the company has since had to urgently revise in light of his passing. Carl Weathers’s legacy, characterized by his roles as both an athlete and actor, will continue to inspire and be celebrated by many.
