CARL Weathers’ cause of death has been revealed a week after the beloved actor died in his sleep.
Weathers, who is best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, died at his home in Venice, California, on February 2.
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The 76-year-old died of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease after battling the heart condition for years, according to his death certificate obtained by The Blast on Friday.
Before his death, the former professional player had filmed a Super Bowl commercial for FanDuel with former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski.
The commercial will air during the Sunday game, just one week after tributes began pouring in for Weathers.
Sylvester Stallone, the actor’s Rocky co-star, was among them, posting an emotional video on Instagram after the news of his friend’s death.
“I’m so torn up,” he said in the emotional clip.
“I’m trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an intricate 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.”
Stallone added that he could “never have accomplished” what he did with Rocky “without him,” adding he was “absolutely brilliant.”
“His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but more importantly his heart, his soul. It’s a horrible loss.”
Weathers’ family announced he had died in a statement last week, confirming he “died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday February 1 2024.”
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” the statement read.
“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.”
Weathers did many things in his life including acting, directing and playing as a professional footballer.
He grew up playing multiple sports including boxing, football, gymnastics, soccer, wrestling, and judo.
While at San Diego State University, he assisted the San Diego State Aztecs win the 1969 Pasadena Bowl.
He graduated with a degree in theater arts and was signed with the Oakland Raiders as a free agent in 1970.
He played as a linebacker for the Raiders and retired in 1974, according to Sports Illustrated.
The same year, he graduated from San Francisco State University with a degree in drama.
Weathers went on to spend almost 50 years in the industry, appearing in movies, TV shows, animated films, and lending his voice and likeness to several video games.
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