'Rocky' star Carl Weathers' official cause of death revealed

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By Patrick Reilly

The official cause of Carl Weathers' death was released Friday, a week after a report said the actor died in his sleep.

Weathers, best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise, died as a result of atherosclerotic heart disease, according to his death certificate. Retrieved from The Blast.

The 76-year-old passed away shortly after midnight on February 2 at his home in Venice, California after a years-long battle with heart disease.

The certificate lists her son, Matthew Weathers, as the person who notified authorities of her death. He was later cremated.

His family announced his death last week.

“Carl was an exceptional man who lived an extraordinary life,” Weathers' family said in a statement. “Through his contributions to film, television, art and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a loving brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.

Born in New Orleans in 1948, Weathers had a Hollywood career that spanned more than 50 years.

He had memorable roles in “Predator,” “Happy Gilmore” and “The Mandalorian” — but is best remembered for playing the iconic fictional boxer Apollo Creed.

Weathers first appeared as Apollo Creed in 1976's “Rocky,” before reprising the role in 1979's “Rocky II” and 1982's “Rocky III.”

The character was killed in the ring by Ivan Drogo (Dolph Lundgren) in 1985's “Rocky IV,” but Michael B. Adonis, son of Jordan Apollo Creed, starred in three “Creed” movies. Last decade.

Weathers' prolific career includes voicing Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise, and he played a fictionalized version of himself in “Arrested Development.”

Weathers also appeared in the hit TV shows “The Shield,” “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “Chicago PD” and “Brothers.”

His work on “The Mandalorian” earned him a 2021 Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.

Weathers was also known for “Close Encounters of the Third Kind” and “The Comeback”.

Before appearing on the big screen, he played college football at San Diego State University and in 1970, he signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent.

He played eight games in the NFL as a linebacker and two seasons as a strong safety.

Before his death, Weathers filmed a Super Bowl commercial for Fantuel with former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski, which will air during Sunday's big game.