US actor Carl Weathers, renowned for portraying boxer Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise alongside Sylvester Stallone, has passed away at the age of 76, as announced by his family on Friday. Weathers, celebrated for his memorable boxing scenes, including those in the “Rocky” series, and his role in the 1987 film “Predator” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, recently gained attention for his performance in the “Star Wars” spin-off series “The Mandalorian,” earning him an Emmy nomination.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” stated his family. The cause of death was not disclosed, but it was mentioned that he peacefully passed away in his sleep on Thursday.

After a brief NFL career with the Oakland Raiders, Weathers transitioned to a successful five-decade-long screen career, appearing in over 75 movies and TV shows, starting in the mid-1970s with Blaxploitation films. In recent years, he captivated younger audiences with his role as Greef Karga in Disney+’s “The Mandalorian” and as the voice of Combat Carl in “Toy Story 4.”

Weathers received acclaim for diverse roles, including a golf coach in “Happy Gilmore” and the jingoistic heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in the groundbreaking “Rocky” series. Stallone expressed deep gratitude for Weathers’ integral role in the success of “Rocky,” emphasizing his brilliance as an actor and his impactful presence on set.

Schwarzenegger, who co-starred with Weathers in “Predator,” honored him as a “legend” and praised his athleticism, acting prowess, and personality. Former Minnesota governor Jesse Ventura, another “Predator” co-star, called Weathers an icon, and Adam Sandler remembered him as a great man, actor, and athlete, highlighting his intelligence, loyalty, and humor.