Carl Weathers, a seasoned actor known for his iconic role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series, faced an unforeseen challenge that outmatched any scripted boxing match. It wasn’t in the boxing ring with Sylvester Stallone that Weathers met his toughest opponent, but rather on the golf course of a 1996 comedy film, Happy Gilmore. In a tragic twist of fate, what was meant to be a humorous stunt turned into a painful ordeal that haunted the actor for years.
While filming Happy Gilmore, in which Weathers starred alongside Adam Sandler as Derick ‘Chubbs’ Peterson, a former pro golfer, he sustained a severe back injury. The accident occurred during a stunt that went awry. “The stunt bag was not pushed all the way against the wall, so when I went out backwards, my body got trapped in a position where my head was on the bag and my tailbone at the wall,” Weathers recounted in an interview with GQ Magazine. The immediate pain and burning sensation was just the beginning of a long-term agony.
Long-Term Consequences
The injury resulted in two fractured vertebrae and the growth of osteophytes which connected in a self-fuse at a very detrimental spot on his spine. “There were three or four years there where I was just in excruciating pain,” Weathers revealed. Despite the severity of his condition, he delayed serious medical consultation, persevering through his discomfort as the tough athlete he was. It was only years later that he sought help from specialists, one of whom advised against surgery, stating it could potentially worsen his condition. Miraculously, after four grueling years, the pain began to subside, allowing Weathers some respite after enduring what he described as debilitating pain.
The Athletic Spirit Prevails
Even through his suffering, Weathers maintained a stoic demeanor, leveraging his athletic background to manage and live with the pain. This ordeal revealed not just the physical resilience but also the indomitable spirit of an actor who, despite severe physical challenges, never let it diminish his zest for life or his career.
A Legacy Continued
Despite the enduring success of Happy Gilmore, which grossed over $41 million against a modest budget of $12 million, and the excitement surrounding the announcement of a sequel nearly three decades later, it’s bittersweet. Carl Weathers passed away in February last year due to heart disease, marking the end of an era. His legacy, however, continues to shine, both in his memorable performances and in the cautionary tale of his most challenging physical ordeal off-screen.
While Weathers will not feature in the upcoming sequel, his impact on Happy Gilmore remains a testament to his talent and dedication. His experience underscores the often-overlooked risks actors face when performing stunts, reminding us of the real-world consequences that can arise from crafting entertainment.