Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed, a fighter with a Muhammad Ali-fighting style in the Rocky films, died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, 1 February, according to his manager Matt Lubers. Weathers was 76.

Aside from the four Rocky movies, Weathers also starred in other films such as Predator (1987) and the Star Wars series The Mandalorian.

Weathers did voice work for the Toy Story of Terror in 2013, which won for him an Emmy for Best Male Vocal Performance in a TV special, and for the Disney series Star vs The Forces of Evil, which ran from 2017-2019.

In the 2021 Primetime Emmys, Weathers was also nominated for Outstanding Guest Actor in The Mandalorian.

Weathers started out as a professional football player, signing up with the Oakland Raiders in 1970. He retired in 1974 and pursued a successful acting career.

In a statement sent to CNN, his family said, "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."

The actor is survived by his two sons, Jason and Matthew.