What a pisser! Right before Black History Month and more episodes of The Mandalorian! Carl was a great presence on Twitter too. He didn’t shit talk, always pushed for peace and understanding.
I read other obits about him and didn’t know he played for the Oakland Raiders. He did have the build yet I figured he was always an actor first because he was great!
Obviously, he’ll be best remembered as Rocky’s nemesis/ally Apollo Creed! Besides adding Mr. T to the mythos of Rocky, I did love III for the story turn with Apollo coming to help the washed-up champ regain his title against the “villain.” Killing him in IV was too much. Carl was awesome as the wise-cracker and additional muscle in the unappreciated WWII action flick Force 10 from Navarone starring Harrison Ford and Robert Shaw! He had the best zingers.
Other than frequent TV appearances, usually cop shows. He was in other loved franchises: Predator, Action Jackson, Arrested Development and my fave: The God of Basketball in Regular Show! I’m glad Carl was chosen to be a recurring character in The Mandalorian! Many Star Wars fans loved him through his other work. Thank you Dave & Jon on letting him direct a couple too! He knew his stuff!
Thanks for everything Carl and to borrow your phrase on Twitter, be at peace! I’m happy you are immortalized as at least two iconic characters in American Pop Culture.