Carl Weathers, the "muscle star" who left a strong mark in the history of movies, is loved by the audience for his role as "Apollo Creed" in the "Rocky" series, and his toned body has become a role model for countless fitness enthusiasts. The remarkable actor passed away on February 1, 2024, at the age of 76. His passing has undoubtedly brought great regret to fans around the world, but his work and influence will always remain in people's hearts.
It is with great sadness that we announce that Carl Withers has left us. "He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1, 2024....Carl was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports, he has left an indelible mark that has been recognized around the world and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, companion and friend. ”
Carl Withers, born in New Orleans on January 14, 1948, has been fond of all kinds of sports since he was a child, including boxing, rugby, wrestling and gymnastics. During his time at San Diego State University, he not only excelled on the football field, helping the Aztecs win the 1969 Pasadena Rose Bowl, but also pursuing a degree in dramatic arts. In 1970, he opted to sign with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent and played eight NFL games as a guard over the next two seasons.
Carl Withers did not give up his dream of acting after his professional football career ended. Instead, he focused more on his film career and became a high-profile actor, and his athletic background and talent made him a huge success in the film industry, bringing countless classic roles to audiences and becoming one of the world's most watched muscular action stars.
During the audition for the role of Apollo Creed, Withers played opposite Stallone. During the audition, Withers offered valuable criticism of Stallone's performance – a move that eventually helped him land the role and co-star with Stallone in the Rocky franchise of films, including: Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), and Rocky IV (1985).
In addition to his outstanding performance in the Rocky film franchise, Withers also appeared in "Predator," alongside California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. In recent years, he has stepped into the world of Star Wars, appearing as Griff Kaga in three seasons of The Mandalorian, earning himself an Emmy nomination for Best Guest Actor. Weathers has had a glittering film career, with a varied list of credits including Navarron's 10th Commando, Predator, War Dragon, Golf Crazy, and several animated films.
The appearance of Carl Withers completely changed the status quo that the male bodybuilding body did not receive much attention on the screen, and his bodybuilding body became a role model for countless fitness enthusiasts. As a young man, whether he played Apollo Creed in "Rocky" or the Dutchman in "Predator", he showed a sculptural perfect figure.
In honor of the star, who had a profound impact on a global scale, fans are reliving his iconic moments in the series. Among them, the line of Apollo Creed, played by Carl Withers in "Rocky 3" - "There is no morrow" (there is no morrow), has become an inspiring quote. This line in the movie is not only Apollo's inspiration to Sylvester Stallone, but also to audiences around the world.
After the death of Carl Withers, fans around the world are immersed in endless nostalgia for him. As a brilliant actor and director, Carl Withers has shown amazing talent many times throughout his acting career, especially in the iconic film "Rocky 3", where he played the unforgettable role of Apollo Creed.
Despite a fierce battle with the "Italian Stallion" in the ring, Apollo became Rocky's most powerful ally and lifelong friend. During the boxing stunt, Sylvester Stallone once said: "I have never been so scared in my life!" "Carl Withers provided him with timely help at this critical time.
And in another boxing match, Rocky seemed to be giving up, he was exhausted and beaten to exhaustion. At this time, Withers gave him an encouraging saying: "There is no tomorrow!" The power and influence of this sentence is not limited to the characters in the movie, but also extends to real life.
With Carl. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who worked with Withers on "Predator", also posted a message of condolences: "Carl Weathers will always be a legend. A great athlete, a great actor, a great person. Without him, we wouldn't have been able to make Predator and wouldn't have had such a great time. "His passing has not only deprived the film industry of a superstar, but also deprived the world of a great inspirer.
Goodbye, Carl Withers!