Just over a week after Carl Weathers died at his home in Venice, California, his cause of death has been released.
The legendary actor died from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to his death certificate obtained by The Blast from the Los Angeles County government.
The document said Weathers, 76, suffered from heart disease for years. His manner of death was listed as natural.
While the Rocky star was initially reported as dying “peacefully in his sleep” on Feb. 1, the death certificate said he passed away at 12:18 a.m. on Feb. 2.
Related Story: Carl Weathers Dies – Apollo Creed Actor in ‘Rocky’ Films Was 76
His son was listed as the person who notified authorities that a death had occurred.
The actor’s family confirmed his passing in a statement on Feb. 2.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. 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,” family members said.
Weathers was best known to fans for his roles in the Rocky films, Predator (1987), Action Jackson (1988), and Happy Gilmore (1996). More recently, he co-starred on Disney+ series The Mandalorian.
The linebacker-turned-actor briefly played in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders in the 1970s.
Weathers made the transition to acting with small parts on the TV shows, Good Times, The Six Million Dollar Man, and S.W.A.T.
He landed his breakout role as boxer Apollo Creed in Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky (1976), and appeared in the first four Rocky movies.
Over the weekend, Weathers made a cameo in a Super Bowl commercial for online sports-betting company FanDuel.
The ad centers on NFL star Rob Gronkowski’s unsuccessful “kick of destiny” in the Super Bowl. The video shows Gronkowski missing the field goal, yet Weathers offers words of encouragement.
The actor filmed the commercial shortly before he passed away. Some fans said on social media he should be removed from the TV spot, after a teaser was released following his death. However, Weathers’ family said he should remain in the ad.
“The family has been very supportive that they would still like to see Carl in the work,” Andrew Sneyd, FanDuel’s executive vice president of marketing, told Variety after the teaser was released.
Instead of removing Weathers, the company re-edited the commercial and added a tribute at the end. You can watch the ad below.
FanDuel’s #SuperBowl ad pays tribute to the late Carl Weathers. pic.twitter.com/6mwuYXmQBN
— DiscussingFilm (@DiscussingFilm) February 12, 2024
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