Legendary actor and director Carl Weathers has passed away. The actor, recently known for his roles in front of and behind the camera in The Mandalorian was 76.
His family announced his passing with the following statement:
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.
Early on, Weathers was a football player (linebacker) with the Oakland Raiders before he started acting. He would eventually become known for portraying Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky movies. He went on to star in 1987’s Predator and then Happy Gilmore in 1996 before recently appearing in The Mandalorian. For his role in this Star Wars series he was honored with a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
Carl Weathers portrayed Greef Karga in The Mandalorian. He also directed multiple episodes of the Disney+ Star Wars series. Greef Karga was initially a disgraced former magistrate in the series who had become an agent for the Bounty Hunter Guild along with a Guild Master of the Nevarro Hunters. He would eventually go on to become the High Magistrate of Nevarro.
“I am heartbroken by this devastating loss,” says Jon Favreau, creator of The Mandalorian. “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.”
Outside of Star Wars, Weathers worked within The Walt Disney Company with Pixar Animation Studios where he was the voice of Combat Carl in the Toy Story franchise.
Weathers is survived by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons.
