Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed opposite Rocky, passes away at the age of 76

Former professional American football player, actor Carl Weathers, who rose to fame after playing the boxer Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" movies, passed away at the age of 76, his manager confirmed in a statement on Friday (Feb 2).

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep," said manager Matt Luber.

"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," his family said.

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In addition to starring opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1987 movie "Predator," Weathers most recently appeared on television in the Emmy-winning role of "The Mandalorian," a spin-off of "Star Wars."

Weathers shot to stardom after playing Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Balboa in the hit movies of the 1970s and 1980s.

He allegedly in his audition criticised Stallone’s acting and landed up a stint in the film.

“Sometimes the mistakes are the ones that get you the gig,” he said in 2015.

In the year 2020, while sharing anecdotes about playing the role of a boxer, he said it was extremely difficult for him to escape taking punches on the set.

“It was hard to escape taking punches on set. There were times when intentionally we went at each other. I was always concerned that if I hit Sly, threw a punch right, it might hurt. And there was no reason for that. And I think he was pretty much the same way.”

Weathers had a brief career playing for the Oakland Raiders of the National Football League.

He retired from the sport to pursue acting in the early 70s.

“I was bitten by the bug, as they say,” Weathers said in 2023. “On stage having people laugh at the good lines and applaud at the end – it’s pretty, pretty infectious. Once that bug gets inside you, it’s kind of hard to give it up.”

(WIth inputs from agencies)