Carl Weathers, renowned for portraying Apollo Creed in “Rocky” and Greef Karga in “The Mandalorian,” has died at the age of 76.

Carl Weathers, known for his roles as Apollo Creed in “Rocky,” facing Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator,” and teaching golf in “Happy Gilmore,” has passed away at 76. He was also a former NFL linebacker.

Carl Weathers, famed for playing Apollo Creed in “Rocky,” peacefully passed away in his sleep, as confirmed by his manager, Matt Luber. Recognized for his versatility, from action roles like “Action Jackson” to comedy in “Arrested Development,” Weathers was best known for his portrayal of Creed, which started in the 1976 film “Rocky.”

In 2017, Weathers mentioned, “Being in ‘Rocky’ was huge for my career, but you need to keep up the momentum.” His portrayal of Apollo Creed remained beloved. More recently, he appeared in all three seasons of the Disney+ series “The Mandalorian.”

In “Rocky IV,” Apollo Creed, a character from the first four “Rocky” films, met his demise in the boxing ring. He fought against Ivan Drago, a formidable Soviet boxer played by Dolph Lundgren. Before the match, there was a performance by James Brown, and Creed made a flashy entrance wearing patriotic attire, dancing and taunting Drago.

After enduring a brutal beating in the ring, Creed collapses and dies, leading to a showdown between Rocky and Drago. Despite Creed’s passing, his son Adonis Creed, portrayed by Michael B. Jordan, continues his legacy in his own boxing trilogy starting in 2015.

In 1987, Weathers appeared in “Predator” with Schwarzenegger and Ventura, showcasing his strength. Then, in 1988’s “Action Jackson,” he wielded a flamethrower, delivering a memorable line before defeating a villain.

In the movie “Happy Gilmore” (1996), Weathers acted as a golf pro with a fake wooden hand. He also appeared in “Chicago Justice” (2017) and received an Emmy nomination for his role in “The Mandalorian” (2021). Additionally, he voiced Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise.

Weathers was inspired by actors such as Woody Strode from “Spartacus” and Sidney Poitier, as well as athletes like Jim Brown and Muhammad Ali. They influenced him with their talent and their ability to break barriers.

Weathers considers himself fortunate to have admired and followed the success of those who came before him. He hopes to inspire others with his work, acknowledging, “I guess I’m just a lucky guy.

Weathers, raised in New Orleans, started acting in plays during grade school. Although he pursued sports in high school, he later rekindled his passion for acting.

Weathers attended San Diego State University, where he balanced college football and a theater major. He briefly played for the NFL’s Oakland Raiders in 1970.

Discussing football, Weathers explained, “It was about the physicality, but also required intelligence. We had playbooks and studied film to prepare for each opponent.

After his time with the Raiders, Weathers played in the Canadian Football League for two years. During breaks, he attended San Francisco State University, where he earned a B.A. in drama in 1974.

After featuring in various films and TV shows like “Good Times,” “The Six Million Dollar Man,” “In the Heat of the Night,” and “Starsky & Hutch,” and fighting alongside Harrison Ford in “Force 10 From Navarone,” Weathers secured his significant role as Creed. He shared with The Hollywood Reporter that his start in the renowned franchise wasn’t smooth.

During auditions, Weathers partnered with Stallone, who was then unknown. Feeling dissatisfied with the scene, Weathers unintentionally insulted Stallone by stating, “I could do better if you got me a real actor to work with.” He also falsely claimed to have boxing experience.

Later, Weathers discovered a love for directing. He directed episodes of “Silk Stalkings” and “Renegade,” and he also helmed an episode in season three of “The Mandalorian.

Weathers connected with a new generation by portraying himself in “Arrested Development.” His character is famously thrifty, known for making broth from leftovers and saying lines like “There’s still plenty of meat on that bone” and “Baby, you got a stew going!” He also takes on the role of an acting coach for Tobias Funke, played by David Cross.

Weathers is survived by two sons.