Carl Weathers, the actor whose credits include Rocky and Predator, has died at 76, Report informs via The Guardian.
His family released a statement through his agent to announce that he died “peacefully in his sleep” on 1 February.
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” the statement continued. “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 playing Apollo Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone in the first four Rocky films. Footage of Weathers was also used in the Creed films led by Michael B Jordan.
His breakout became in 1976’s Rocky taking on a role initially intended for the real-life boxer Ken Norton. He allegedly got the role after criticising Stallone’s acting in his audition. “Sometimes the mistakes are the ones that get you the gig,” he said in 2015.
Weathers then took roles in the next three Rocky movies, opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987’s Predator and the lead in 1988’s Action Jackson.