Adam Sandler and more are paying tribute to veteran actor Carl Weathers following his death on Feb. 1 at the age of 76. Among many notable roles in “Happy Gilmore,” “The Mandalorian,” “Predator” and more, Weathers is known for playing boxer Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise.
“A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always,” Sandler wrote of his “Happy Gilmore” co-star on social media. “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.”
Weathers starred as Chubbs Peterson opposite Adam Sandler in the 1996 sports comedy film.
Pedro Pascal, who acted alongside Weathers in “The Mandalorian,” shared a photo of the actor on social media with the caption, “words fail.”
“The Mandalorian” creator Jon Favreau said in a statement, “I am heartbroken by this devastating loss. He was a hero from my childhood who I was lucky enough to meet and then had the amazing good fortune to work with. He had the energy and curiosity of a young man paired with the wisdom that his rich life and career afforded him. My heart goes out to his family and countless admirers.”
Director Robert Rodriguez, who worked with Weathers on “The Mandalorian,” wrote, “Will miss the great Carl Weathers who I was very fortunate to work with on several occasions. A very kind and generous person. His performances were always electrifying and he was also a terrific director of both stage and screen.”
Weathers’ “Predator” co-star Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote, “Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. Every minute with him — on set and off — was pure joy. He was the type of friend who pushes you to be your best just to keep up with him. I’ll miss him, and my thoughts are with his family.”
In the 1989 action/sci-film, Weathers plays a Vietnam veteran and CIA agent working alongside Arnold Schwarzeneggers’ Dutch in the investigation of mysterious murders. Ventura plays Sgt. Blaine Cooper.
Weathers starred as champion boxer Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone in the first four “Rocky” films, initially serving as the antagonist in the franchise. The competing athletes respect each other and begin training together in the third film.
Read the tributes to Weathers and more below.
Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. pic.twitter/q4CWVVeyTK
— Arnold (@Schwarzenegger) February 2, 2024
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… pic.twitter/Gi2lPWFTgt
— Adam Sandler (@AdamSandler) February 2, 2024
ned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram/p/C227SC8pGyJ/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14">A post shared by Pedro Pascal he/him (@pascalispunk)
We lost an icon. Carl Weathers was a phenomenal talent, a true professional, and a dear friend. All my sympathies and love to his family. I loved working with him on Predator and then celebrating that film with him at various conventions in the ensuing years.
— Jesse Ventura (@GovJVentura) February 2, 2024
Thank you, Carl. pic.twitter/29OJoe8qcu
Will miss the great Carl Weathers who I was very fortunate to work with on several occasions.
— Robert Rodriguez (@Rodriguez) February 2, 2024
A very kind and generous person. His performances were always electrifying and he was also a terrific director of both stage and screen. pic.twitter/acvLd7yxXu
RIP to the legend Carl Weathers. This moment, your delivery of it in Rocky inspired me the moment I heard it. I live my life by it. Your voice and performance gave me belief. I love you for that. Rest in peace & power man. pic.twitter/AfGU4HLIZt
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) February 2, 2024
SLY STALLONE and CARL WEATHERS choreograph the big Rocky/Apollo Creed fight for
— Michael Warburton (@MichaelWarbur17) February 2, 2024
ROCKY (1976)#RIPCarlWeathers
pic.twitter/uKfivKXzC6
RIP to the great Carl Weathers. It was an honor and privilege to play your son on the sitcom, Brothers!! You were an inspiration that made me feel like my dreams were attainable because you came from sports and conquered entertainment. You are loved and will be missed! My love… pic.twitter/jtPE8Re7HA
— Michael Strahan (@michaelstrahan) February 2, 2024
God bless Carl Weathers. A wonderful actor and athlete. I got to know him years ago. He hosted SNL and was so great to work with. So great in Rocky. And such a nice guy. Another good guy, gone. This is very sad news. God bless him and his family.
— Jon Lovitz (@realjonlovitz) February 2, 2024
When I started wrestling in 2004 I had no idea what or who I wanted to be. It wasnt long before my favorite character, Apollo Creed, became my inspiration. For the past 20 years I've drawn on Carl Weathers for that inspiration and I just wanted to say thank you. Rest well #Rip pic.twitter/B0140gsL4l
— Austin Creed (@AustinCreedWins) February 2, 2024
RIP Carl Weathers – one of the greats pic.twitter/JMGBho2Gfm
— David Sirota (@davidsirota) February 2, 2024
RIP Carl Weathers, aka Apollo Creed.
