Carl Weathers: 1948-2024
Heroes: From Antagonists to Legends
Heroes are not forged in solitude. They rise to greatness by challenging seemingly insurmountable obstacles and, of course, by clashing with stubborn adversaries. Take President Abraham Lincoln, our esteemed political hero, who battled against Jefferson Davis and the Confederate army. Or Achilles, the first epic hero in literature, who confronted Hector. Even Superman, our beloved comic book hero, must contend with the formidable Lex Luthor. And in the case of Rocky Balboa, arguably our greatest modern movie hero, he squares off against the indomitable Apollo Creed. But what sets Rocky and Apollo Creed apart from other hero stories is that their roles are intertwined, with the antagonist ultimately becoming a hero in his own right — a hero who becomes as legendary as the figure he once opposed.
For four high-octane boxing films, Carl Weathers, who passed away this month at the age of 76, didn’t just play Apollo Creed; he embodied him. With his chiseled, Greek-god-like physique, a wingspan reminiscent of Lennox Lewis, and an early-career aura of invincibility akin to Mike Tyson, Weathers brought an intimidating physicality, a menacing swagger, and an infectious charisma to the ring in Rocky. It made viewers feel as if Rocky was facing none other than the second coming of Muhammad Ali. For Sylvester Stallone, the casting of Weathers as Apollo Creed was a stroke of genius. It was Weathers’s portrayal of Creed that allowed Stallone’s Rocky to become a cinematic hero and an urban icon for the city of Philadelphia. And it was this iconic role that transformed Weathers from a relatively unknown actor into a modern movie legend.
Born in New Orleans on January 14, 1948, Weathers initially pursued a career in sports, much like Jim Brown, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, who transitioned from the field or the ring to the silver screen. While Weathers didn’t achieve the same level of success in sports as Brown, Johnson, and Schwarzenegger did, his pivot to acting proved to be a game-changer. After only five years, Weathers landed a role that surpassed any previous achievements by Brown or Johnson. Although he never became a leading action star like Schwarzenegger, Weathers had the opportunity to act alongside him in the blockbuster film Predator (1987), impressively matching wits and biceps with the five-time former Mr. Universe.
Weathers’s acting career was as diverse and robust as Apollo Creed’s repertoire of punches and jabs. In addition to his appearances in the Rocky films and Predator, he graced the screens in Good Times, The Six Million Dollar Man, Arrested Development, The Shield, and Toy Story 4. He even hosted Saturday Night Live. More recently, Weathers showcased his talent in the Star Wars spinoff series The Mandalorian, earning him an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actor in a drama series. Personally, my favorite non-Rocky role of his is Chubbs Peterson, Adam Sandler’s wise and surprisingly hilarious golf mentor in Happy Gilmore (1996). Who would have thought that the same actor who could strike fear into the hearts of other boxers in the ring could also bring audiences to tears of laughter?
Apollo Creed, aptly named, was a hero with countless faces. And much like Aeneas, a classical hero who began as an antagonist in The Iliad before becoming the symbolic founding father of the Romans in The Aeneid, Weathers’s portrayal of Apollo Creed will endure not only through his original role but also through the subsequent Creed films, where he, not Rocky, is the franchise’s founding father.
About the Author:
Daniel Ross Goodman is a contributing writer for the Washington Examiner and a postdoctoral fellow at Harvard Divinity School. His latest book, Soloveitchik’s Children: Irving Greenberg, David Hartman, Jonathan Sacks, and the Future of Jewish Theology in America, was published this summer by the University of Alabama Press.
How did the character of Apollo Creed evolve throughout the Rocky franchise, and how did Weathers’ performance contribute to this evolution?
To acting proved to be a game-changer. After a few minor roles, Weathers landed the role of Apollo Creed in the first Rocky film, solidifying his place in cinematic history.
The character of Apollo Creed was not just a typical antagonist; he was a complex and multi-dimensional character whose journey mirrored that of Rocky Balboa. Apollo was not merely a villain, but a formidable opponent who pushed Rocky to his limits. Weathers portrayed this character with such depth and charisma that audiences couldn’t help but be captivated by Apollo’s presence on screen.
As the Rocky franchise continued, Apollo Creed’s character evolved. In Rocky II, Apollo became a mentor figure to Rocky, helping him train and prepare for his rematch with him. This unexpected turn further showcased Weathers’ talent as an actor, as he seamlessly transitioned Apollo from antagonist to ally.
It was in Rocky III that Apollo Creed truly became a hero in his own right. After Rocky’s defeat, Apollo took it upon himself to train him and help him regain his fighting spirit. Apollo’s transformation from rival to friend was a testament to the power of redemption and second chances.
The rapport between Weathers and Stallone was undeniable on screen, and their chemistry brought the characters of Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa to life. With each film in the franchise, their relationship grew stronger, and Weathers continued to impress audiences with his performance.
Outside of the Rocky franchise, Weathers maintained a successful acting career, appearing in films such as Predator and Action Jackson. However, it was his portrayal of Apollo Creed that solidified his place as a Hollywood legend.
Carl Weathers may have started as an antagonist, but he ultimately became a hero. His portrayal of Apollo Creed proved that heroes and villains are not always black and white, but rather shades of gray. Through his talent, charisma, and on-screen presence, Weathers elevated the role of Apollo Creed to legendary status.
In a world where heroes are often defined by their triumph over adversaries, Weathers showed that heroes can come from unexpected places. His journey from antagonist to legend is a testament to the power of storytelling and the impact that a well-crafted character can have on audiences.
As fans mourn the loss of Carl Weathers, they can take solace in the fact that his legacy will live on through the characters he brought to life. Apollo Creed will forever be remembered as a hero, and Carl Weathers will forever be remembered as the actor who brought him to life.
Heroes are not born; they are made. And Carl Weathers made Apollo Creed a hero for the ages.
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