Carl Weathers was the quintessential tough guy on film — a boxer, a soldier, a cop — but on the football field, he was a pushover.
At least, that’s what Hall of Fame coach John Madden told the young linebacker when he cut him in 1971 after two seasons with the Oakland Raiders.
“He said to me, ‘You’re just too sensitive,’” Weathers told Sports Illustrated in a 2023 interview. “What the f—- do you mean I’m too sensitive?” the San Diego State product fired back.
But the easy-going, good-guy personality and basic decency that undercut his football career became his biggest asset in his next.
As an actor, Weathers embodied charm. The former linebacker’s statuesque physique was matched by an unimpeachable demeanor.
Weathers, best known for playing Apollo Creed in the first four “Rocky” movies, died on Thursday. He was 76 years old.
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In “Predator,” Weather’s character had his arm ripped off by the titular extraterrestrial. In “Rocky IV,” a Soviet superman beat him to death in the boxing ring. A taxidermy accident claimed his life in the golf comedy “Happy Gilmore.”
But the real Weathers died peacefully in his sleep, his family said in a statement. He is survived by his two sons.
His acting career saw him square off against an alien menace in “Predator,” turn Adam Sandler into a golfing champion in “Happy Gilmore,” and poke fun at himself in a guest role in “Arrested Development.” Weathers reinvented himself multiple times, most recently as a guest star and director on “The Mandalorian.”
In almost every role, Weathers sported a sly smile and a knowing glance. As if he had some ingenious joke in his holster, but wasn’t ready to share it.
Sylvester Stallone directed Weathers in the first “Rocky” movie and starred alongside him in four films in the franchise. In a video posted to social media, the action legend fought off tears.
“Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about. I give him incredible credit and kudos,” Stallone said. “When he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn’t realize how great. He was absolutely brilliant. His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability. But more importantly, his heart. His soul.”
In 1987’s “Predator,” Weathers starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger. When the two met on-screen for the first time, they shared a handshake that has since been memorialized as an internet meme. In a film overflowing with testosterone and bulging biceps, Weathers’ magnetism helped set him apart.
“Carl Weathers will always be a legend,” Schwarzenegger wrote on Instagram. “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.”
As he aged, Weathers relied less on an imposing physique and more on a commanding voice and endearing presence. In 1996, he starred alongside Adam Sandler in “Happy Gilmore,” introducing himself to a new generation of sports fans. His character’s advice, “Just tap it in,” and “It’s all in the hips,” persists on mini golf courses around the country.
“A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always,” Sandler wrote on Instagram. “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.”
In the 2000s, Weathers appeared as a caricature of himself in the show “Arrested Development.” Weathers’ character, an overly frugal version of himself, was his idea. The writers originally wanted him for a one-off appearance, but the star fell in love with the role.
“A version of me that, quite frankly, is about a million miles from me, but it was lovely to play the one guy who was trying to get on everyone’s tab,” Weathers told the AV Club in 2014. “I mean, that to me is as funny as things get.”
In recent years, Weathers saw his career take another turn. He appeared alongside Grogu, commonly known as Baby Yoda, in “The Mandalorian.” He played Greef Karga, an agent for bounty hunters in the “Star Wars” universe. In 2021, he was nominated for an Emmy award for his performance. Weathers went on to direct two episodes of the show.
“He was magic. I was so fortunate to be part of his life,” Stallone said, echoing the will-wishes of fans and co-stars around the country.
“So, Apollo, keep punching.”
• Liam Griffin can be reached at lgriffin@washingtontimes.com.
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