Carl Weathers, Cinematic And Male Strength Icon Known For Classic 'Epic Handshake' Meme, Pronounced Dead At 76

Iconic actor Carl Weathers, known for his appearances in beloved movies and shows such as Rocky, Predator, Happy Gilmore and The Mandalorian, was pronounced dead at the age of 76 today, according to a statement by his family noting that he had died peacefully in his sleep.

Fans of his were quick to post on social media as the news spread, many sharing their favorite memories of times they met him, rumors they heard about him during his career or their favorite scenes that he showed up in.

Online, Carl Weathers was perhaps best known for being half of the Epic Handshake meme, which takes place in the movie Predator between him and Arnold Schwarzenegger.

The meme, one of the first notable formats to experience widespread usage online, has remained prevalent in online circles for its versatility in object-labeling and as a reaction.

Offline, however, Carl Weathers was looked up to by many as a male strength icon. Weathers, who went undrafted in the NFL, earned his spot on the Oakland Raiders team before becoming an actor. As an actor, he then starred in numerous high-profile movies commonly associated with male identity like Predator and Rocky, showing himself as something for others to strive and be like. Following up those hits, however, he slowed down and co-starred in the guy cult classic movie Happy Gilmore, which started the Adam Sandlerverse.

Throughout his life and the multiple interactions that fans have expressed online, Weathers started as something akin to the peak of masculine "tough guy" energy, didn't take himself too seriously by having good comedy fun and didn't have any public freakouts, allegations or things that gave people "the ick."

Showing up on The Mandalorian in the twilight of his career, he still showed himself as a guy that fans of his would never have to apologize for, and to some, was the exact antithesis of toxic masculinity, by being tough, strong, classy and jovial.