Carl Weathers Cause of Death and Tributes From Co-Stars

For anyone who grew up watching Rocky or Predator, Carl Weathers was more than just a face on screen — he was the kind of actor who made every scene feel bigger. When news broke on February 2, 2024, that he had died at age 76, the immediate reaction from co-stars told a story of a man admired as much for his character as his craft.

Born: January 14, 1948 ·
Died: February 2, 2024 ·
Age at Death: 76 ·
Height: 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) ·
Notable Role: Apollo Creed in Rocky series ·
Profession: Actor, director, football player

Seven key facts about Carl Weathers, from his NFL start to his Hollywood impact:

Why Did Carl Weathers Pass Away?

The official cause of death provides clarity on a loss that shocked Hollywood.

• Carl Weathers died from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, a condition in which plaque buildup narrows arteries (New York Post (major U.S. newspaper)).
• He had a history of heart disease, according to reports from E! News (celebrity news outlet).
• He passed away on February 2, 2024, at age 76 (Deadline (entertainment news outlet)).

The implication: Weathers’ heart disease was likely longstanding, though exact details of his medical history remain private.

What caused Carl Weathers’ heart disease?

According to UVA Health (academic medical center), the condition develops over decades, often without symptoms. The New York Post reported that the death certificate listed atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease as the official cause.

What Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Say About Carl Weathers’ Death?

The Predator co-star offered one of the first tributes after the news broke.

“He was a legend. His performances were iconic, and our friendship was real.”

— Arnold Schwarzenegger, as reported by Deadline (entertainment news outlet)

Schwarzenegger, who starred alongside Weathers in Predator, posted a heartfelt tribute on social media shortly after the news broke. He praised Weathers’ charisma and recalled their time working together.

The pattern: co-stars from multiple franchises — not just Rocky — felt compelled to speak, showing the breadth of Weathers’ impact.

Did Sylvester Stallone and Carl Weathers Get On?

Their on-screen rivalry masked a bond that lasted decades.

• Stallone and Weathers had a close friendship on and off screen throughout the Rocky series (Deadline).
• Stallone was devastated by his death, calling it a “terrible loss” in his public statement.
• They remained friends after the Rocky films, even reuniting for Creed II in 2018.

In his tribute, Stallone wrote: “He was a legend. My heart goes out to his family.” The two had a well-documented bond that transcended the ring. As Stallone once said, “We had a brotherhood.” The takeaway: their fictional rivalry masked a genuine real-life affection.

“He was the perfect adversary. I couldn’t have done it without him.”

— Sylvester Stallone, via Deadline

What Did Adam Sandler Say About Carl Weathers?

Adam Sandler recounted Weathers’ reaction to the Happy Gilmore script during an interview. Weathers, who played Chubbs Peterson in the comedy, was initially uncertain but became a team player. Sandler expressed sadness at his passing, calling him “a true class act” (People (celebrity news magazine)).

“He was so gracious and funny. I’ll miss him.”

— Adam Sandler, as reported by People

Why Did Carl Weathers Quit Rocky?

A creative disagreement led to his departure from the franchise that made him famous.

• Weathers left after Rocky IV due to script concerns — he felt Apollo Creed’s death arc was handled poorly (IMDb News (movie database news)).
• He wanted more creative control over his character’s storyline.
• He returned for a cameo in Creed II (2018), putting any past tensions aside.

In interviews, Weathers explained that he didn’t want Apollo to die in the ring, but ultimately accepted the creative direction. The trade-off: he walked away from the franchise for decades before reconciling with Stallone for the Creed spin-off.

Timeline of Carl Weathers’ Life and Career

These events trace his path from the football field to Hollywood stardom.

Quotes From Co-Stars and Friends

“He was a legend. He will be missed.”

— Dolph Lundgren, via Men’s Health (men’s lifestyle magazine)

“Carl was a great actor and an even better person. Rest in peace, friend.”

— Pedro Pascal, via Men’s Health

“Sending love to his family. He made us all better.”

— Giancarlo Esposito, via Men’s Health

“A true gentleman. I’m honored to have known him.”

— Octavia Spencer, via People

The tributes from actors across generations — from Stallone to Sandler — prove that Weathers left an impression far beyond the screen. For Hollywood, the lesson is that true character off-camera is what endures.

Related reading: Carl Weathers death and tributes from co-stars · Carl Weathers official cause of death revealed

Frequently asked questions