Carl Weathers, best known for playing Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, passed away at 76. Many of his collaborators and peers sent condolences to his family and paid tributes to the acclaimed actor, whose career in Hollywood spanned five decades.
According to a statement released by the actor’s family, he died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Los Angeles on February 1, at the age of 76.
“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,” reads the Weathers family’s statement.
Weathers’ Rocky co-star Sylvester Stallone was one of the countless Hollywood stars to pay tribute to the late actor. He described him as an integral part of his journey, adding his life was forever changed the day he met him and saw greatness as soon as he walked into the room.
In addition to playing Apollo Creed in the first four Rocky movies, Weathers also starred in movies Predator, Action Jackson, and Happy Gilmore. On the TV side, he led the 90s crime drama Street Justice, and most recently appeared in Chicago Justice and The Mandalorian.
