UPDATED with Giancarlo Esposito statement: The Mandalorian star Pedro Pascal is remembering his former co-star Carl Weathers.
In an Instagram message posted following news of Weathers’ death, Pascal wrote simply “words fail 💔,” next to a headshot of a younger Weathers.
Weathers, the star of Rocky films, Predator and Disney+’s The Mandalorian series, died peacefully in his sleep February 1, according to a family statement. He was 76.
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“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” the family 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.”
The Mandalorian‘s Giancarlo Esposito, who portrays Moff Gideon in the series, also paid tribute to his friend and former castmate on Instagram.
“I will sorely miss my dear friend and brother Carl Weathers,” Esposito wrote alongside a photo of the two. “You are truly one of the most wonderful human beings I have had the honor and pleasure of spending time with! I am grateful for your influence and support of all things good in my life. This is how I will always remember you. My dear friend and brother.”
Weathers played Greef Karga, the head of the Bounty Hunters Guild, in nine episodes of the Disney+ Star Wars series The Mandalorian over its three seasons. The character became close to Pedro Pascal’s Mando as the series progressed. Weathers was a 2021 Emmy nominee for the role and also directed a pair of episodes in Season 2 and 3.
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Last month, Lucasfilm confirmed a Mandalorian feature film, The Mandalorian & Grogu, was in the works, with series creator Jon Favreau to direct. It’s unclear whether Pascal or any other of the series’ cast will be involved in the film, which is slated to begin production this year.
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Weathers additional TV credits include a memorable arc on Arrested Development, playing a version of himself as an ad-hoc acting coach who proudly offered tips on saving money at everything from food buffets to airport rides. He appeared in four episodes across the Emmy-winning series’ first four seasons.
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Weathers also had a rising career as a TV director. Along with The Mandalorian, he helmed episodes of Chicago Med, FBI, Law & Order, The Last O.G., Hawaii Five-O, For the People, 18 Wheels of Justice, Strong Medicine and Pensacola: Wings of Gold.
Erik Pedersen contributed to this story.
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