Arnold Schwarzenegger, Hollywood & Sports Luminaries Pay Tribute To Carl Weathers: “A Phenomenal Talent”

Tom Tapp
·6 min read

Carl Weathers died Tuesday at 76, it was announced today. And as the news spread, reactions began to pour forth from across Hollywood and the sports world.

Pedro Pascal, Weathers’ fellow traveler in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, wrote simply, “words fail 💔,” with a photo of a younger Weathers.

More from Deadline

RELATED: Sylvester Stallone Remembers ‘Rocky’ Co-Star Carl Weathers: “He Was Absolutely Great”

Arnold Schwarzenegger in a social media post described his Predator co-star as “An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person,” before adding, “Every minute with him – on set and off – was pure joy. He was the type of friend who pushes you to be your best just to keep up with him.”

The Directors Guild of America issued a statement in remembrance of Weathers, “a great hero to the DGA and the entertainment industry.” It follows below.

“Today we mourn the loss of a great hero to the DGA and the entertainment industry.  The world may have seen Carl as an iconic actor, but here at the DGA we knew him as an accomplished television director on series like The Mandalorian, Chicago Med, and Law & Order, but more importantly to us, as an exceptionally dedicated leader of the Guild for the past 20 years, always seeking to improve the lives of his fellow members.  His service to the DGA was as broad and as deep as his wonderful booming voice – bringing his heart and soul to every volunteer effort.

Whether serving on the Western Directors Council or as an alternate to the National Board, leading the charge as Co-Chair of the PAC Leadership Council, donating his time to the Directors Guild Foundation to aid fellow directors in need, fighting for fellow members a part of five BA/FLTTA Negotiating Committees, serving as a former Co-chair of the Guild’s African American Steering Committee or by encouraging aspiring Directors through his support of the DGA’s Student Film Awards, Carl always found ways to give back and participate, while showing grace and kindness to every person he encountered. Though his passing leaves a void, Carl’s legacy lives on through the talent he nurtured and the lives he brightened. We are grieving this tremendous loss alongside his family and friends, as we celebrate Carl’s outstanding humanity, compassion, and heart. Carl’s kindness and wisdom will be incredibly missed, and we are deeply saddened because he touched so many lives and meant so much to us here at the Guild.”

RELATED: ‘The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal Remembers Carl Weathers: “Words Fail”

Adam Sandler posted a lengthy tribute to his Happy Gilmore co-star, which read in part, “A true great man,” Sandler posted on X/Twitter. “Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell.” For Sandler’s full tribute, click here.

Weathers, of course, was most famous as Apollo Creed from the Rocky films, and that role — as well as his own history as a legitimate football talent who played defensive end San Diego State and linebacker for the Raiders in 1970 — lent realism to his more muscular performances that resonated with professional athletes.

Former Washington Redskins QB Robert Griffin III, now an ESPN football analyst, tweeted the famous training montage from Rocky III and wrote, “There is no Rocky without Apollo Creed and we were lucky that Carl brought him to life. RIP to a legend.”

Jesse Ventura, who co-starred with Weathers and Schwarzenegger in Predator, called Weathers “a phenomenal talent, a true professional, and a dear friend.”

RELATED: ‘The Mandalorian’s Pedro Pascal Remembers Carl Weathers: “Words Fail”

RELATED: Adam Sandler Remembers Carl Weathers: ‘Happy Gilmore’ Co-Star Was “A True Legend”

RELATED: Hollywood & Media Deaths In 2024: Photo Gallery & Obituaries

Best of Deadline

Sign up for Deadline's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Latest Stories