Carl Weathers, known for his role as Apollo Creed in four of the “Rocky” films, has died, Page Six can confirm. He was 76.
His manager, Matt Luber, confirmed the death to us on Friday.
An official cause of death was not immediately known.
Weathers’ family also tells Page Six in a statement Friday, “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.
“He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.”
They add, “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.”
The family concludes, “He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend.”
Weathers is survived by his ex-wife, Mary Ann, and their two sons.
The beloved actor was not very active on social media, and his latest posts on Instagram are from 2018.
In November of that year, he posted a movie scene featuring him and Sylvester Stallone, and captioned it, “MEMORIES.” It does not appear that Stallone, 77, has publicly commemorated his pal’s passing yet.
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Aside from the “Rocky” franchise, Weathers also starred alongside Adam Sandler in the 1996 golf comedy “Happy Gilmore.”
He also proved he had dramatic acting chops in the “Star Wars” series “The Mandalorian,” which earned him a Primetime Emmy Award for outstanding guest actor in a drama series, and played Colonel Al Dillon alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 movie “Predator.”
Weathers’ other acting credits include roles in TV series like “Street Justice,” “Colony,” “The Shield,” “Chicago Justice” and “Brothers,” and films “Close Encounters of the Third Kind,” “Death Hunt” and “The Comebacks.”
He also had an impressive career as an NFL linebacker for the Oakland Raiders. He retired in 1974 before moving on to Hollywood.
Variety was first to report the news of Weathers’ death.