Carl Weathers built an enduring legacy across professional football grids, blockbuster action cinema, and television screens. While millions remember him as the charismatic heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise or the unforgettable golf instructor Chubbs Peterson in Happy Gilmore, his personal life drew significant public curiosity. Behind his fierce on-screen presence, Weathers navigated a private life marked by three marriages, two children, and a long-term partnership that lasted until his passing.
Understanding the personal history of Carl Weathers involves looking past the cinematic gloss. His relationships shaped different chapters of his life, from his early days transitioning out of the Canadian Football League into Hollywood stardom, through his decades as an established character actor and director.
Overview of Carl Weathers Marriages and Relationships
Weathers married three times throughout his life and shared a long-term relationship in his later years. Each partnership coincided with distinct milestones in his professional trajectory.
- Mary Ann Castle: Married from 1973 to 1983. This was his longest early marriage, spanning the exact period he transitioned from professional athlete to breakout screen actor. Together, they welcomed two sons.
- Rhona Unsell: Married from 1984 to 2006. Spanning over two decades, this was his longest marriage, coinciding with his peak action-star era in films like Predator and Action Jackson.
- Jennifer Peterson: Married from 2007 to 2009. A shorter union that occurred during his career resurgence in television comedies like Arrested Development.
- Christine Kludjian: His partner from 2014 until his passing in February 2024.
First Marriage: Mary Ann Castle (1973–1983)
In February 1973, Carl Weathers married Mary Ann Castle. At the time, Weathers was playing professional football as a linebacker for the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. During off-seasons, he studied drama at San Francisco State University, laying the groundwork for a complete career pivot. More details into this topic are detailed by Associated Press.
Mary Ann was by his side as he retired from professional sports in 1974, took on minor television guest spots, and landed the audition that changed entertainment history: playing Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone in 1976's Rocky. During their decade together, the couple had two sons, Jason and Matthew. The marriage ended in divorce in July 1983, shortly after the release of Rocky III.
Second Marriage: Rhona Unsell (1984–2006)
Following his divorce, Weathers married Rhona Unsell in February 1984. Unlike his first wife, Unsell maintained a very private profile away from the Hollywood spotlight.
This 22-year marriage spanned the height of Weathers' action-hero fame. During these decades, he starred in major genre films, transitioned into television dramas like In the Heat of the Night, and established himself as a reliable leading man and director. The couple did not have children together, and they finalized a quiet divorce in 2006.
Third Marriage: Jennifer Peterson (2007–2009)
In March 2007, Weathers married Jennifer Peterson. This union was relatively brief, lasting roughly two years before the couple separated. The divorce was finalized in 2009. They did not have children during their marriage. Around this period, Weathers expanded his footprint into comedic voice acting and memorable guest appearances, showcasing a lighter, self-deprecating side of his public persona.
Later Years and Partner Christine Kludjian
From 2014 onward, Weathers shared his life with his long-term partner, Christine Kludjian. Keeping a low profile out of the tabloid spotlight, the couple remained together through his later television work, including his acclaimed role as Greef Karga in the Disney+ series The Mandalorian, for which he earned a Primetime Emmy Award nomination. Kludjian was by his side until Weathers passed away peacefully at his Los Angeles home on February 1, 2024, at the age of 76.
Children and Family Life
Carl Weathers was fiercely protective of his family privacy, particularly regarding his children. With his first wife, Mary Ann Castle, he fathered two sons, Jason and Matthew.
Unlike many celebrity children who pursue public entertainment careers, his sons largely stayed out of the Hollywood limelight. Weathers frequently emphasized in interviews that his role as a father took precedence over his celebrity status, balancing intensive physical training, film shoots, and directing duties with hands-on parenting.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times was Carl Weathers married?
Carl Weathers was married three times. His marriages were to Mary Ann Castle (1973–1983), Rhona Unsell (1984–2006), and Jennifer Peterson (2007–2009). He was later with his partner Christine Kludjian until his death in 2024.
Who are the children of Carl Weathers?
He had two sons, Jason and Matthew, from his first marriage to Mary Ann Castle.
What was the cause of Carl Weathers' death?
Carl Weathers passed away from atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease at his home in Los Angeles on February 1, 2024, at the age of 76.
Did Carl Weathers stay close to his co-stars?
Yes, he maintained lifelong friendships across the industry, particularly with Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Adam Sandler, often reflecting fondly on the camaraderie built on demanding physical film sets.
