Carl Weathers is a multi-talented American actor, director, and former professional football player. He gained widespread recognition for his iconic role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series and has starred in other notable films such as Predator, Happy Gilmore, and the Toy Story franchise. Weathers has also showcased his talent in television series like Street Justice, Arrested Development, and The Mandalorian, the latter earning him a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. His diverse career highlights his versatility and significant contributions to both sports and entertainment.
January 14, 1948: Carl Weathers Born
Carl Weathers was born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana.
1966: Weathers Graduates High School, Pursues Acting
A multi-talented individual, Carl Weathers graduated from Long Beach Poly High School in 1966 and began pursuing his passion for acting.
1966: Weathers Begins College Football Career, Suffers Ankle Injury
Carl Weathers embarked on his college football journey in 1966 at Long Beach City College but faced a setback due to an ankle injury.
1968: Weathers Transfers to San Diego State University
In 1968, Carl Weathers transferred to San Diego State University, continuing his football career and academic pursuits.
1969: Weathers Excels at San Diego State, Earns Master's Degree
Carl Weathers's dedication to both athletics and academics was evident during his time at San Diego State, where he excelled in football and earned a master's degree in theatre arts in 1969.
1970: Weathers Enters NFL, Joins Oakland Raiders
Carl Weathers's professional football career began in 1970 when he joined the Oakland Raiders as an undrafted free agent, playing as a linebacker.
1970: Weathers Contributes to Raiders' Success
Carl Weathers, now playing as a linebacker, played a role in the Oakland Raiders' success in 1970, contributing to their AFC West Division title win and journey to the first-ever AFC Championship Game.
September 1971: Weathers Released from Raiders
In a pivotal moment in his football career, Carl Weathers was released by the Oakland Raiders in September 1971.
1973: First Marriage
Carl Weathers married Mary-Ann Castle in 1973.
1973: Weathers Concludes Time with BC Lions
Carl Weathers's time with the BC Lions came to an end in 1973, marking the end of his professional football career.
1974: Weathers Earns Drama Degree, Shifts Focus to Acting
Demonstrating his commitment to pursuing his passion for acting, Carl Weathers earned a bachelor's degree in drama from San Francisco State University in 1974.
1974: Weathers Retires from Football, Pursues Acting Full-Time
In 1974, Carl Weathers made the significant decision to retire from professional football and fully dedicate himself to his acting career.
1975: Weathers Secures Early Roles in Blaxploitation Films
Carl Weathers's early acting career included roles in blaxploitation films, showcasing his talent and versatility in the industry.
1976: Weathers Makes Mark in Guest Television Appearances
Carl Weathers made notable guest appearances in popular television shows in 1976, including "Starsky & Hutch" and "Barnaby Jones".
1976: Weathers Lands Breakthrough Role in "Rocky"
Carl Weathers's career took a significant turn in 1976 when he was cast as Apollo Creed in the first "Rocky" film.
1977: Weathers Makes Cameo in "Close Encounters of the Third Kind"
Carl Weathers made a brief but memorable appearance in the science fiction classic "Close Encounters of the Third Kind", released in 1977.
1978: Weathers Stars in TV Movie "Not This Time"
Carl Weathers took on a leading role in the television movie "Not This Time" in 1978.
1979: Weathers Reprises Role in "Rocky II"
Carl Weathers returned as Apollo Creed in "Rocky II", released in 1979, further solidifying his presence in the popular film franchise.
1982: Weathers Continues as Apollo Creed in "Rocky III"
Carl Weathers continued his portrayal of Apollo Creed in "Rocky III", released in 1982.
1983: Divorce from Mary-Ann Castle
Carl Weathers' first marriage to Mary-Ann Castle ended in divorce in 1983.
1984: Marriage to Rhona Unsell
Carl Weathers married Rhona Unsell in 1984.
1985: Weathers Appears in Final "Rocky" Film as Apollo Creed
Carl Weathers made his final appearance as Apollo Creed in "Rocky IV", released in 1985.
1985: Weathers's Final Appearance as Apollo Creed
Carl Weathers's final appearance as Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" franchise was in "Rocky IV", released in 1985.
1987: Weathers Takes on Action Roles
Carl Weathers continued to establish himself in the action genre with roles in films such as "Predator" in 1987.
1987: Weathers Stars in Sci-Fi Thriller "Predator"
In 1987, Carl Weathers starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the science fiction action film "Predator", solidifying his presence in the action genre.
1988: Weathers Hosts "Saturday Night Live"
Showcasing his comedic timing and stage presence, Carl Weathers hosted an episode of the iconic sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" in 1988.
1991: Weathers Takes on Lead Role in "Street Justice"
Carl Weathers secured a lead role as Det. Beaudreaux in the television series "Street Justice", which aired from 1991 to 1993.
1992: Weathers Stars in "Hurricane Smith"
Carl Weathers starred in the action film "Hurricane Smith" in 1992.
1992: Weathers Joins "In the Heat of the Night"
Carl Weathers joined the cast of the television series "In the Heat of the Night" in 1992 as Hampton Forbes.
1993: "Street Justice" Concludes
After a successful run, the television series "Street Justice", starring Carl Weathers as Det. Beaudreaux, came to an end in 1993.
1994: Weathers's Run on "In the Heat of the Night" Concludes
Carl Weathers's time on "In the Heat of the Night" ended in 1994.
1996: Weathers Appears in Michael Jackson's Music Video
Adding to his diverse portfolio, Carl Weathers made an appearance in Michael Jackson's music video for "Liberian Girl" in 1996.
1996: Weathers Joins the Cast of "Happy Gilmore"
Carl Weathers showcased his comedic talent in 1996 as Chubbs Peterson in the Adam Sandler golf comedy "Happy Gilmore".
1999: Weathers Narrates NFL Films' Season Recap
Carl Weathers's connection to football continued beyond his playing days, as he lent his voice to narrate NFL Films' season recap for 1999.
2000: Weathers Returns as NFL Films Narrator
Carl Weathers reprised his role as narrator for NFL Films' season recap in 2000, showcasing his continued involvement in the world of football.
2001: Weathers Completes Narration Trilogy for NFL Films
Continuing his work with NFL Films, Carl Weathers narrated the season recap for 2001, completing a trilogy of narration for the organization.
2003: Weathers Returns to "SNL"
Carl Weathers returned to the "Saturday Night Live" stage in 2003, this time in a skit.
2004: Weathers Expands Comedic Repertoire
Carl Weathers further explored comedic roles in 2004 with appearances in "The Sasquatch Gang" and "The Comebacks".
2004: Weathers Embraces Comedic Roles, Joins "Arrested Development"
Carl Weathers's career took a comedic turn in 2004 with appearances in the critically acclaimed series "Arrested Development".
2005: Weathers Lends Voice to Video Game
Demonstrating his versatility, Carl Weathers provided the voice for Colonel Samuel Garrett in the video game "Mercenaries: Playground of Destruction" in 2005.
2006: Divorce from Rhona Unsell
Carl Weathers' second marriage to Rhona Unsell ended in divorce in 2006.
2006: Weathers Declines Cameo in "Rocky Balboa"
Despite being approached for a cameo appearance in "Rocky Balboa" (2006), Carl Weathers declined, seeking a more substantial role.
2007: Marriage to Jennifer Peterson
Carl Weathers married Jennifer Peterson in 2007.
2008: Weathers Guest Stars on "ER"
Carl Weathers made a guest appearance on the long-running medical drama "ER" during its final season in 2008.
2009: Divorce from Jennifer Peterson
Carl Weathers' third marriage to Jennifer Peterson ended in divorce in 2009.
2009: Television and Commercial Appearances
In 2009, Carl Weathers appeared in various television shows and commercials. He played roles in the sitcom "Brothers," Old Spice commercials, and a series of web advertisements for Credit Union of Washington. He also starred in Bud Light commercials, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
2013: Weathers Returns for "Arrested Development" Revival
Carl Weathers reprised his role in the much-anticipated revival of "Arrested Development" in 2013.
2014: Relationship with Christine Kludjian
Carl Weathers began his relationship with Christine Kludjian in 2014. They remained together until his death in 2024.
2015: Weathers Reconciles with Stallone, Approves Footage Use
Carl Weathers and Sylvester Stallone put their differences aside, and Weathers agreed to allow footage of himself from previous "Rocky" films to be used in "Creed" (2015).
2017: Weathers Lends Voice to "Star vs. the Forces of Evil"
Expanding his repertoire, Carl Weathers provided the voice for Omnitraxus Prime in the animated series "Star vs. the Forces of Evil" starting in 2017.
2017: Weathers Appears on NFL Network's Draft Coverage
In 2017, Carl Weathers appeared on NFL Network's pre-draft coverage, further demonstrating his enduring connection to the sport.
2019: The Mandalorian Debut and Critical Acclaim
Carl Weathers joined the Star Wars universe in 2019 with his role as Greef Karga in "The Mandalorian." His performance earned critical acclaim and an Emmy nomination. He also directed several episodes, showcasing his talent behind the camera.
2019: Weathers Joins "The Mandalorian"
Carl Weathers stepped into the Star Wars universe in 2019 with a recurring role as Greef Karga in the Disney+ series "The Mandalorian".
2023: Weathers Concludes Run on "The Mandalorian"
Carl Weathers concluded his run as Greef Karga in "The Mandalorian" in 2023.
February 1, 2024: Carl Weathers Passes Away
Carl Weathers passed away on February 1, 2024.
February 2, 2024: Death
Carl Weathers passed away on February 2, 2024, at the age of 76, due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. He died at his home in Los Angeles and was survived by his partner, Christine Kludjian, two sons, Jason and Matthew, and grandchildren. His body was cremated.