Carl Weathers, the NFL player-turned-Hollywood action star known for his roles in the “Rocky” movie franchise, “Predator” and “The Mandalorian,” has died. He was 76.
Weathers’ manager, Matt Luber, confirmed the news to USA TODAY Friday.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” the actor’s family said in a statement shared by Luber. “He died peacefully in his sleep” Thursday, they said.
Weathers starred as boxer Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone in the original “Rocky,” an acclaimed role he went on to reprise in three subsequent sequels before the character’s death in 1985’s “Rocky IV.” In the ongoing “Creed” franchise, Michael B. Jordan plays the son of Weathers’ character.