According to MARK KENNEDY, a writer for the AP Entertainment,

NEW YORK

Carl Weathers, a retired NFL linebacker who transitioned to become a popular actor in action and comedy films, passed away at the age of 76. He is best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise, as well as his roles in “Predator” and “Happy Gilmore.”

Matt Luber, the manager of Weathers, announced that he passed away on Thursday. His family released a statement stating that he peacefully passed away in his sleep.

Comfortable flexing his muscles on the big screen in “Action Jackson” as he was joking around on the small screen in such shows as “Arrested Development,” Weathers was perhaps most closely associated with Creed, who made his first appearance as the cocky, undisputed heavyweight world champion in 1976’s “Rocky,” starring Sylvester Stallone.

“It elevates your reputation and propels your career, so to say. However, it is a one-time opportunity, so you must continue to produce exceptional work. Luckily, those films continued to be successful, and Apollo Creed gained even more recognition and acceptance in people’s minds and lives. It was the perfect person at the perfect moment,” he shared with The Daily Beast in 2017.

In recent times, Weathers has been featured in the popular Disney+ show “The Mandalorian,” appearing in every season so far.

Source: wralsportsfan.com