 The acclaimed actor, director and former football player Carl Weathers, known for his iconic portrayal of Apollo Creed in the initial four Rocky films and notable roles in Predator, The Mandalorian and Happy Gilmore, passed away just last week as confirmed by his family. He was 76. We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers, his family said in a statement. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. Carl Weathers was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life, he was 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. We'll take a look at the life and success of Carl Weathers as well as his family life and worthy actor called Home in Los Angeles. Carl Weathers was an American actor and former professional football player. He is best known for his portrayal of Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series and the character Dylan in Predator. After his recent passing Carl's former co-stars notably Mr. Rocky himself, Sylvester Stallone are also mourning him and saying goodbye to the actor. Before his Hollywood career, Weathers played in the national football league with the NFL as a linebacker and then he switched from the field to the set once he discovered his love of acting. But first let's rewind a bit. Carl Weathers was born on January 14th, 1948 in New Orleans, Louisiana, United States. There's not much information online about Carl's parents or his childhood except that his father worked as a day laborer. Carl studied at St. Augustine High School after getting an athletic scholarship and participating in soccer, judo, gymnastics and more. So he was clearly very good at sports. Carl then went on to study at Long Beach Polytechnic High School when his family decided to move to Southern California. Weathers started his football career at San Diego State University in 1966 but a movie here would also mark the start of his love for acting. I mean being so close to Hollywood who could blame him? Eight years later Carl earned a bachelor's degree in drama. Weathers is famous for his roles as boxer Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky films. Colonel Allen and Predator and voicing combat Carl in the Toy Story franchise. Together with his acting and football career, Carl Weathers reportedly had a net worth of $8 million by the time of his death on February 1st. Carl did keep all of his family alive and homes underwrapped though so his privacy it was very important to him throughout his life. Reports show that Carl owned a $1.36 million home in Venice, California since 2004. Today his property is likely worth $3 to $4 million but it's not clear whether that was also where he was living last but mourn his home in just a moment. Let's backtrack to his football career. Carl was on the Aztecs team when they won the Pasadena Bowl in 1969. A year later he became a free agent with the Oakland Raiders performing as a linebacker for two seasons. Weathers then became a part of the Canadian Football League from 1971 to 1973. He played 18 games with the BC Lions and then retired from football in 1974. Prior to this Carl injured his ankle in 1966 and at that time he shifted more seriously to acting. The footballer landed small roles in Arthur Marks movies Bucktown and Friday Foster as well as TV shows like Good Time, Kung Fu, Cannon and Starsky and Hutch. But as we all know Carl's acting journey seriously took to new heights in 1974 after he played Apollo Creed in Rocky which was such a massive hit that it grossed $225 million at the box office. He earned acclaim for his portrayal of Creed and reprised his role for the next three Rocky movies. Sylvester Stallone was an emerging actor and screenwriter when United artists Braw or Rocky the iconic underdog boxer drama that would become a cultural phenomenon. Weathers was selected for the role of Creed the beloved star-spangled and rightfully confident heavyweight champion eyeing monetary gains and publicity by offering a local contender a shot at the title. However, Creed's focus lies more in promoting the fight than preparing for it. When the two finally clash in a patriotic spectacle with Creed entering the ring dressed as Uncle Sam it becomes a legendary battle. After the final bell Creed famously declares Aang and Abino rematch to which Rocky responds don't want one. The film receiving ten Oscar nominations including Best Picture won three Academy Awards setting the stage for the second installation. Rocky II also achieved massive success and featured a championship rematch with a different outcome. This success paved the way for Rocky introducing the world to the champion bouncer turned actor Mr. T and his iconic catchphrase I pity the fool. When asked about his prediction for the fight with Boppao A Lang replies into the camera pain. The weather has reprised the role of Creed in the Cold War themed Rocky IV. His character now aging agrees to an exhibition match with the Soviet powerhouse Drago spelling doom for the former champion. Notably the role of Apollo Creed almost went to Ken Norton the real life heavyweight champ who had a storied rivalry with Muhammad Ali. Weather's other credits include his 1988 role in Action Jackson as well as just before this starring opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987's Predator. In Predator, Weather's played Al Dillon a CIA operative and old Vietnam War buddy of Schwarzenegger's character. He also appeared as police chief Hampton Forbes in more than two dozen episodes of the 1989 to 95 TV show In the Heat of the Night and appeared in films like Happy Gilmore and Little Nicky. In fact, Carl's role as Derek Chubbs Peterson alongside Adam Sandler and Happy Gilmore was quite memorable as he played the main character's golf coach. During the filming of Happy Gilmore, Carl was badly injured during a fall stunt leading to years of terrible pain. In 2020 the actor shared this with GQ in an interview stating I didn't know it until years later but I fractured two vertebrae and osteophytes grew out and connected and it did kind of a self-use in a really bad place. There were three or four years there where I was just in excruciating pain. Weather's also showed off his comedy chops in the show Arrested Development playing a version of himself as an ad hoc acting coach who proudly offered tips on saving money at everything from food buffet to airport ride. More recently Carl played grief Karga the head of the Bounty Hunters Guild in nine episodes of the Disney Plus Star Wars series The Mandalorian. Carl's character became close to Pedro Pascals as the series went on and Weather's was also a 2021 Emmy nominee for the role. He further dipped his toes in directing with two episodes of The Mandalorian and some episodes of Law and Order in Chicago Med. When he comes to Carl's real estate he kept this part of his life quite private and there isn't much known about where he lives. However it was reported that he's the owner of a lovely home in Venice, California, an area of Los Angeles that's particularly known for its canals and upscale lifestyle. The home which is tied to Weather's is set to boast two bedrooms and two bathrooms with over 2,400 square feet of space. It's an attractive single family home and it's said that the actor would have purchased it in the early 2000s for over 1 million dollars. These days the house would be valued closer to 3 or 4 million dollars. The property was built in 1990 and it's said that the residence is an excellent physical condition. Anne includes more than five rooms throughout with features like fireplaces and outside a swimming pool and patios. When it comes to Carl's family life he was quite private about this too but the late actor never lost his faith in love. Before his passing he was married and divorced three times, one of which didn't last long at all. Unlike the two beautiful times he spent with his first two ex-wives, his brief marriage to Jennifer Peterson was a romance that burned brightly and quickly. In the early 70s Carl made his debut in show business and married Marianne Castle, his first wife in 1973. The two remained together for ten years and welcomed two sons together but they called it quits in 1983. Carl didn't remain single long following his first divorce from Marianne. In 1984 only a year later he tied the knot with Rona Unsell, his second wife. The former couple was married for more than 20 years before divorcing in 2006, though not much is known about her. This marked weather's longest marriage however he and Rona decided not to have any children. After 22 years together they called it quits in 2006. Finally, in March 2007 Jennifer Peterson got hitched to Carl Weathers just a year after his second divorce. At that point Carl began to prioritize TV appearances over movie roles. Peterson was a writer, director and creative content producer with projects under her belt like the 2000 short film Pumpkin Hill and the American rescue dog TV show on Hallmark. Sadly their marriage didn't last long as they decided to call it quits after just two years. Peterson and Weathers were also not parents to any children together. Carl Weathers passed away at the age of 76 and in his family's statement announcing his death they said, 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, TV, 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. So while we don't know much more about his house and life behind closed doors Carl Weathers was a celebrated and talented actor, former athlete and much more. His legacy will live on. After learning about Carl Weathers story that will conclude today's video. But before we go answer this question for me. Which type of sports movie is your all time favorite? Let me know in the comments below. Don't forget to hit subscribe and turn on those notifications so you never miss a video. Follow me on Instagram to chat and I'll see you all in another one. Bye!