Words weren’t enough to express how heartbreaking of a day it was on Friday for Hollywood when the news of the tragic passing of actor Carl Weathers came around. Known best for starring as Apollo Creed in the Rocky films and a part of some of the most memorable projects of all time, the acting legend passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Tributes and prayers began pouring in from all over the world from his friends, colleagues, and co-stars following the news of his death. His Happy Gilmore co-star, Adam Sandler too posted a sincere tribute on X, calling him a true legend.
Adam Sandler Pays Tribute To Legend Carl Weathers
Born in New Orleans in 1948, Carl Weathers showcased some of the finest performances of all time by starring in more than 75 movies and series throughout his half-century run in the film industry. Also an NFL Linebacker, the legend passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1, as per a statement from his family (via BBC).
Having starred in movies like Arrested Development and Predator, Weathers has worked with dozens of his fellow A-listers throughout his long successful career in Hollywood. When the news of his passing broke out on the internet, his Happy Gilmore co-star Adam Sandler too paid his tribute to the legend in a heartfelt post on X,
“A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”
His words for the 76-year-old star were closely in line with what many of his other co-stars regarded him as. Both of his co-stars and fellow Hollywood legends, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone posted similar messages on their respective Instagram handles (@schwarzenegger | @officialstallone), calling Weathers an integral part of their life and career.
How Did Carl Weathers Die?
Carl Weathers’s sudden passing has been a huge tearjerker, leaving the entire Hollywood and fans of the industry bawling their eyes out. At the age of 76, the Hollywood legend apparently passed away in his sleep on February 1, 2024, as a statement from his family read.
Although no cause of death has been revealed by The Mandalorian star’s family, they did release a statement, deeming the Arrested Development star as an exceptional human being (via Deadline).
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. 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.”
From action to thriller to fantasy and comedy, there is hardly a genre that Weathers did not excel at. As we slowly make peace with his passing, the indelible mark he has left on the film industry will always be cherished and serve as an inspiration to many of the aspiring actors and fans of the coming generation.