The circumstances of the death of the star of the films “Rocky” and “Predator” have been revealed

Carl Weathers, actor in the iconic films Rocky and Predator, has died at the age of 76. The actor was known for his role as Apollo Creed in four Rocky films and recently starred in the Star Wars spinoff The Mandalorian.

Carl Weathers, the actor whose credits include Rocky and Predator, has died at the age of 76. His family released a statement through his agent saying the actor died “peacefully in his sleep” on February 1, The Guardian writes.

“Karl was an exceptional man who lived an extraordinary life,” the statement said. “Through his contributions to film, television, art and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized throughout the world and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”

Weathers was best known for playing Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone in the first four Rocky films. Footage of Weathers was also used in the Creed films, directed by Michael B Jordan.

After becoming a college football star in the 1960s and retiring from his professional career in the early ’70s, Weathers began appearing in blaxploitation-style grindhouse films.

“As they say, I was bitten by the bug,” Weathers said in 2023. “On stage, people laugh at good lines and applaud at the end – it’s very, very infectious. Once this bug gets into you, it’s pretty hard to get rid of.”

His breakthrough was the 1976 film Rocky, in which he played a role originally intended for real-life boxer Ken Norton. He allegedly got the role after criticizing Stallone’s performance in an audition. “Sometimes mistakes are what make you successful,” he said in 2015.

In 2020, Karl spoke about playing the boxer: “It was difficult to avoid getting hit on set. There were times when we deliberately attacked each other. I was always concerned that if I hit Sly, if I hit him the right way, it might hurt. And there was no reason for this. And I think he was pretty much the same.”

Weathers then played roles in the next three Rocky films: opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger in 1987’s Predator and the title role in 1988’s Action Jackson.

Sylvester Stallone described Carl Weathers as an “integral part” of his life. On social media, Stallone described himself as “torn” by the news. “Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success… I give him incredible credit,” he said. “When he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness, but I didn’t realize how great. I could never have achieved what we did with Rocky without him. He was absolutely great. Stay strong and keep throwing punches.”

In a statement, Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote: “Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An outstanding athlete, a fantastic actor and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a great time creating it. Every minute with him – on and off set – was pure joy. He was the kind of friend who pushes you to be your best just to keep up with him. I will miss him and my thoughts are with his family.”

Weathers starred with Adam Sandler in Happy Gilmore, then appeared in Arrested Development as an acting coach and voiced Combat Carl in Toy Story 4.

“A truly great man,” Sandler wrote on Platform X. “Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. Always so fun to be around. Damn smart. Fucking loyal. Damn funny. More than anything in the world he loved his sons. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Much love to all his family and Carl will always be known as a true legend.”

His most recent roles included Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, which earned him an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series. He also directed two episodes.

“I loved being on the show; it gave me the opportunity to be creative much more fully than I had previously been on other projects,” he said in 2021. “It was a great experience and it couldn’t have come at a better time.”

Show creator Jon Favreau said in a statement: “I am heartbroken by this terrible loss. He was my childhood hero who I was lucky enough to meet and then had the amazing fortune of working with. He had the energy and curiosity of a young man combined with the wisdom that his busy life and career had given him. My heart goes out to his family and countless fans.”

Robert Rodriguez, who directed Weathers’ episodes of the show, paid tribute. “I will miss the great Carl Weathers, who I had the pleasure of working with on several occasions,” he wrote. “Very kind and generous person. His performances were always exciting and he was also a tremendous director both on stage and screen.”

The late actor left two sons.