Carl Weathers’ official cause of death has been disclosed, a week after the actor sadly passed away aged 76.
As previously reported, the late actor - best known for his roles in Rocky and Predator - died "in his sleep" according to a heartbreaking statement from his family who announced the news on February 1 through the star's agent.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024," the family penned.
"Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his 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," they added.
Born in New Orleans in 1948, Weathers had an outstanding Hollywood career that spanned more than 50 years.
He was best known for playing Apollo Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone in the first four Rocky films. He appeared in the iconic role in the first movie, Rocky (1976) before reprising the role just a few years later in 1979 in Rocky II followed closely by 1982's Rocky III before the character was killed off in his final movie for the franchise, Rocky IV.
Weathers’ prolific career also included voicing Combat Carl in the Toy Story franchise and he playing a fictionalized version of himself on Arrested Development. He also appeared on hit TV shows The Shield, Street Justice, Colony, Chicago P.D., and Brothers.
More recently, the late actor featured in the Star Wars spin-off series The Mandalorian in a guest role as Greef Karga. He earned an Emmy nomination in 2021 for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.
It has been revealed via a death certificate obtained by The Blast that Weathers tragically passed away as a result of "atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease".
The certificate listed his son, Matthew Weathers, as the person who notified police of his death. Weathers was then cremated.
Per the NHS, atherosclerosis is the narrowing of one's arteries, making it difficult for blood to flow through them. The condition increases an individual's risk of heart attack and stroke.
Since the news of his death was announced, touching tributes from his fellow co-stars and friends have been pouring in, celebrating the star for leaving behind such a remarkable legacy.
Sylvester Stallone took to Instagram on February 3 to post an emotional video about his sadness at the death of his biggest on-screen rival and real-life friend.
Have a look at the video below:Stood behind his home bar, the 77-year-old said: "Hello everyone. Today is an incredibly sad day for me. I mean, I'm so torn up I can’t even tell you. I'm just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success."
"Everything about it, I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness but I didn't realize how great," he continued.
Holding back tears, he added: "It's...it's a horrible loss and I'm standing here in front of this painting because it was probably the last moment we were ever in the ring together and I'll never forget it. He was magic and I was so fortunate to be a part of his life.
"So, Apollo, keep punching," he concluded.
Adam Sandler, who starred alongside Weathers on four separate occasions including Happy Gilmore and Little Nicky, took to Twitter (known now as X) to pen: "A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him.
"My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend," he added, sharing some heartfelt images of both actors.
Weathers is survived by his two sons.
Our thoughts continued to be with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
