From the famous “Predator” handshake to Apollo Creed to “Arrested Development,” Carl Weathers was an actor who warmed our hearts. And his death on February 2nd, 2024 was the one we never saw coming. Especially in the age of beloved action icons such as Stallone, Schwarzenegger, and Van Damme—who we’ve grown to believe are eternal—it came as a shock.
Carl Weathers was the actor we loved to see no matter what movie he was in. He charmed as Apollo Creed, easily oozing the macho bravado meant as an homage to Muhammed Ali. He was also hysterical, as seen in the aforementioned “Arrested Development” as well as his iconic turn as “Chubbs” Peterson in Adam Sandler’s best comedy “Happy Gilmore.” In fact, my first experience with Weathers was Sandler’s film, where his domineering-yet-hysterical Peterson easily put Sandler’s ‘Happy’ in his place. Later came “Rocky” and “Predator”—two greats—which cemented him as a beloved tough guy.
It’s touching and bittersweet to see the way Weathers’ passing brings to light the other aspects of his career and life many might not have known. Weathers appeared in ’80 films and TV shows and was also a director and producer. He played a year in the NFL for the Oakland Raiders before leaving to focus on his acting dream full-time. He appeared in early ‘Blaxploitation’ films (“Friday Foster” and “Bucktown” in the ‘70s) before moving on to his famed roles.
At The Movie Buff, we have compiled a list of six of our favorite Carl Weathers moments to celebrate the actor’s life and mourn his passing.
1. The Arrival of Uncle Sam—‘Rocky’
“Rocky” is one of the great underdog sports films of all time, and the movie wouldn’t have worked without a formidable adversary such as Weathers brought to the role of Apollo Creed. Possibly the most ostentatious is the series opener, where Weathers rides up to the ring dressed as George Washington to then take his garments off and reveal a flashy and attention-grabbing Uncle Sam costume, complete with top hat. A brutal fight awaits; but Weathers showboats his way into the ring, and we love it.
2. Final Stand—‘Predator’
Weathers plays an odd duck in John McTiernan’s 1987 hit “Predator.” He’s not a commando like the other tough-guys he co-stars with, but a CIA man that might have forgotten what it’s like to be in deep. A shady agenda and covert missteps along the way make him seem like he’s not part of the team. However his death—as he follows Bill Duke in a quick succession of predator kills—make him stand out. His end is grisly and fear-inducing. However, Weathers’ Dillon doesn’t go out without a fight, even if he’s no match for the alien killer.
3. ‘Stop Being’ a Damn Fool!’—‘Happy Gilmore’
Quite the departure from tough-guy roles in “Predator” and “Rocky,” Weathers’ turn as ‘Chubbs’ Peterson in Adam Sandler’s “Happy Gilmore” deserves kudos. Weathers shows he’s quite the comedian, and ironically becomes a coach to Gilmore acting Mickey to his Rocky. In one of the film’s funnier sequences, as Gilmore insists he doesn’t need to practice before joining the pro tour, Peterson laments, “stop bien’ a damn fool!” and makes us believe his frustration with a man who just won’t listen. Chubbs’ take-no-crap takedowns of Happy make the film what it is, and this scene is no exception.
4. ‘Son of a bitch!’—the Handshake, ‘Predator’
It had to be here. One of the most iconic moments in action cinema is here in “Predator,” when Weathers’ Dillon meets Schwarzenegger’s Dutch after many years apart. Shocked his old buddy Dillon is in charge of the operation, Dutch clasps the man’s hand in a ferociously manly handshake as Cinematographer Donald McAlpine focuses in on the two’s biceps. It’s an utterly ridiculous display of machismo and one of the most over-the-top action tropes of all time. It’s become the source of constant GIFs in the social media age. And the fact that Dillon’s wearing a white dress shirt with sleeves rolled up make it all the more classic.
5. Burger King—’Arrested Development’
Carl Weathers recurring role as a fictionalized version of himself sits near the top of great side characters on the legendary show “Arrested Development.” Taking on the role of Tobias Funke’s acting coach, their initial interaction at Burger King is among the shows greatest moments. Tobias could not be more out of touch, which Carl takes full advantage of, all while ranting and raving about the glory of Burger King and their unlimited refills of soft drinks.
6. Introduction to Chubbs—’Happy Gilmore’
When Chubbs Peterson first approached the titular character while he is in a batting cage taking fastballs to the face to “toughen up” for next years hockey tryouts, the stage is set for all the ridiculousness that is to follow. But what immediately follows is one of my favorite laugh-out-loud moments in all cinema when Happy slap shots Chubbs’s wooden hand off. Chubbs declaration that it’s made of wood, “real strong”—only to be run over by a truck—is comedy gold. Weathers’ straight man ability is so on point and funny you’d swear he was a seasoned comedian more than a big screen tough guy.
May Carl Weathers rest in peace. For more tributes to Weathers, check out this nice article from People.
*Movie/TV selections contributed by Matt DeCristo, Joe Hughes, and Mark Ziobro.
