When news of actor-director Carl Weathers' death spread Friday, filmmakers and former co-stars noted the breadth of his career. From his work on iconic action drama films like the “Rocky” franchise (in which he played boxer Apollo Creed), “Predator” and “Action Jackson,” to film comedies like “Happy Gilmore” and TV shows like “ Star Wars,” “The Mandalorian” and “Arrested Development,” Weathers was a versatile performer.
His roles (and his physique) were so memorable that even his arm from a “Predator” scene, which makes up half of the popular handshake meme, has become part of his varied and lasting legacy.
Sylvester Stallone, his co-star in the “Rocky” films, posted a video on Instagram on Friday, crediting Weathers for helping him achieve success in Hollywood. “Today is an incredibly sad day for me… Carl Weathers was an integral part of my life, of my success. I give him incredible credit and congratulations because when he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn't realize how cool he is. “I could never have achieved what we did with ‘Rocky’ without him.”
Jon Favreau, creator of “The Mandalorian,” said in a statement: “I am heartbroken by this devastating loss. He was a hero from my childhood who I was lucky enough to meet and then had the incredible luck to work with. He had the energy and curiosity of a young man combined with the wisdom that his rich life and career brought him.”
Weathers appeared in the 1996 hit comedy “Happy Gilmore” as Derick “Chubbs” Peterson, a retired golfer who becomes a coach to Adam Sandler's main character. Weathers reprized the role for a cameo in Sandler's 2000 film “Little Nicky.”
Sandler posted online saying of Weathers: “A truly great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. It's so much fun to always be around. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Hilarious. He loved his children more than anything. What a boy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to all his family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who appeared with Weathers in “Predator” (and is the other arm of the handshake meme) posted: “Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor and a great person. We couldn't have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn't have had as much fun doing it.”
Weathers appeared in three seasons of “The Mandalorian” as bounty hunter Greef Karga and directed episodes in both the second and third seasons.
Pedro Pascal, who plays the title character in “The Mandalorian,” posted simply “Words Fail,” along with a photo of Weathers.
Filmmaker Robert Rodríguez said of Weathers: “A very kind and generous person. His performances were always electrifying and he was also a fantastic director of both theater and film.”
Jesse Ventura, who also appeared with Weathers in “Predator,” said: “A phenomenal talent, a true professional and a dear friend. All my love and solidarity for his family. “I loved working with him on Predator and then celebrating that film with him at various conventions in the years that followed.”
Comedian Leslie Jones commented: “Say it ain't so!!”
Beyond Fest in Los Angeles called Weathers “one of the kindest, most humble and humane guests we have ever had the pleasure of hosting. Today we lost a real one.”
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