‘Rocky’ star Carl Weathers official cause of death revealed

News

By Patrick Reilly

Carl Weathers’ official cause of death was revealed on Friday, a week after the actor died in his sleep, according to a report.

Weathers, beloved for his role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise, died as a result of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to his death certificate obtained by The Blast.

The 76-year-old passed away at his home in Venice, California just after midnight on Feb. 2 after battling the heart condition for years.

The certificate listed his son, Matthew Weathers, as the person who notified authorities of his death. He was then cremated.

His family announced his death last week.

“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” Weathers’ family said in a statement. “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.”

Weathers, born in New Orleans in 1948, had a Hollywood career that spanned more than 50 years.

He had memorable roles in “Predator,” “Happy Gilmore” and “The Mandalorian” — but he will be best remembered for playing the iconic fictional boxer Apollo Creed.

Weather first appeared as Apollo Creed in 1976’s “Rocky,” before reprising the role in 1979’s “Rocky II” and 1982’s “Rocky III.” 

The character was killed in the ring by Ivan Drogo (Dolph Lundgren) in 1985’s “Rocky IV,” but lives on today in another generation with Michael B. Jordan portraying Apollo Creed’s son, Adonis, in a trio of “Creed” movies over the last decade.

Weathers’ prolific career also included voicing Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise and he played a fictionalized version of himself on “Arrested Development.” 

Weathers also appeared on hit TV shows “The Shield,” “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “Chicago P.D.” and “Brothers.”

His work on “The Mandalorian” earned him an Emmy nomination in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. 

Weathers was also known for “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “The Comebacks.” 

Before appearing on the big screen, he played football in college at San Diego State University and, in 1970, he signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent.

He played in eight games in the NFL as a linebacker and a strong safety across two seasons.

Before his death, Weathers filmed a Super Bowl commercial for FanDuel with former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, which will air during the big game on Sunday.