Carl Weathers, an actor and director known for his work on the Rocky films, Predator and Happy Gilmore, among others, has died. He was 76.

His death was confirmed by his family, who shared in a statement that he passed while sleeping on Thursday (Feb. 1), per Deadline.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” they shared. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024. … Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. 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.”

Weathers was best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise. He starred in the first film in 1976 and reprised his role as the boxer in 1979’s Rocky II, again in 1982 with Rocky III and once more for Rocky IV, which debuted in 1985.

While he starred in one of the most famous film series of the twentieth century, Weathers earned plenty of acting credits before suiting up as Rocky’s rival. He first began his career in 1973, appearing in Magnum Force, and later acted on ’70s shows like Kung Fu, S.W.A.T. and Most Wanted.

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