Earlier today, Hollywood was struck by the tragic news that the legendaryCarl Weathershadpassed away on February 1at the age of 76. An icon of the silver screen across multiple decades fromRockyup toPredator,Happy Gilmore, and laterThe Mandalorian, the Emmy-nominated actor made an impression on both audiences and his co-stars with his presence. His career was an impressive one, beginning as an undrafted rookie football player who enjoyed a brief stint in both the NFL and CFL before going on to build an impressive and diverse resume full of iconic film and television characters. He even began to take to the director’s chair, adding another achievement to a lifetime full of them.
In the wake of his death, his former colleagues in the industry have opened up about the warmth of his character on set. Their tributes paint a picture of a starwho looked out for his fellow performers, made them laugh, and often treated them like his own family.
Carl Weathers' Co-Stars Speak Out About the Deceased Actor
Among the first to react were those Weathers shared the screen with in some of his most iconic films.Adam Sandler, the co-writer and star ofHappy Gilmore, recalled the love everyone on set had for the former pro athlete. Weathers appeared in the film as Chubbs, a former professional golfer who encourages the titular Happy Gilmore to compete in a tournament and even helps him shore up his putting game before the Tour Championship. Like the character he played, Weathers was described as “a true great man” by Sandler in his tribute as theSNLveteran recalled the fond moments he and his wife shared with the late actor thanks to the film.
Weathers also received a ton of love from hisThe Mandalorianco-stars and crewmates. In addition to playing Mando’s gruff ally Greef Karga, hejumped behind the camera for a few episodes, something that became routine for him in the later stage of his career. Two Mandalorians — the man who spends most of the time under Din Djarin’s suit,Brendan Wayne, and the star of the showPedro Pascal— were crushed to hear the news of his death. Wayne recalled the close bond he shared with Weathers, writing inan Instagram post:
“You were the first to call me when I went to the hospital. You taught me to be tough and face life in Rocky. You taught me to be Mando on set. You helped me coach. You loved me and my family. We are supposed to have lunch next week!! #bepeace I love you buddy. The king is dead. Long live the King. Carl you are a standard to be reached.”
Pascal, meanwhile, couldn’t find the words to describe the loss of Weathers:
AnotherStar Warsveteran,Mark Hamill, reflected on the many devastating losses the industry has suffered of late, includingJoe MadisonandChita Riveraalongside Weathers.
The multifacetedAhmed Best, who has enjoyed no shortage of roles in the sci-fi franchise, gave a heart-wrenching tribute to his hero and close friend. He credited Weathers with imparting plenty of wisdom to him during their time together and says inspired in him “the strength and confidence to perform” upon his return toStar Wars.
Giancarlo Esposito, the beloved star behindThe Mandalorian’svillainous Moff Gideon, shared a photo of himself alongside Weathers while attesting to all the support the late actor gave him during their time on set together.
On the other side of the camera,Robert Rodriguezpraised Weathers’s work both as an actor and a director. TheSpy Kidshelmer was happy to have linked up with the star onThe Mandalorianand beyond and attested to his generosity towards everyone he worked with.
Weathers’sPredatorsquadmateJesse Venturatook a moment to thank the late star for everything he had done on screen and reflected on their various convention reunions in the years since the iconic action film was released. Their time together in the jungle withArnold Schwarzeneggerand the rest of the cast helped forge a friendship between the two that the former wrestler deeply cherished.
Speaking of the Governator, Schwarzenegger also shared some love and extremely high praise for Weathers, going as far as to say that without Dillon, there would be noPredator.
Celebrities Reflect on the Impact of Carl Weathers
Many stars simply remembered the joy of seeing Weathers perform on-screen. ComedianDane Cookremembered theRockylegend for his powerful performance as Apollo Creed, referencing a scene fromRocky IIIwhere he pushedSylvester Stallone’s titular character to keep training.
WWE superstarAustin Creedshared how Weathers’s turn as Rocky’s enemy turned close friendbecame the inspiration for his career as a wrestler. He took to social media to give one last thank you to the late star.
In addition to celebrating Weathers’s most iconic role, Lakers legendMagic Johnsonalso highlighted the star’s small screen role inIn theHeat of the Nightas one of his favorites among the long list of parts he played.
Joining the chorus of tributes for Weathers is a fellow NFL veteran and analyst,Robert Griffin III. While the loss is devastating, he echoed the sentiment that wewere fortunate to have so much time and so many roles to remember the late actor by.
Weathers will forever be remembered for his powerful presence in television and cinema alike, along with his kindness, grace, and wisdom when the cameras weren’t rolling. Our thoughts are with his family and friends during this difficult time.
