AceShowbiz - Carl Weathers has passed away aged 76. The actor - who played Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" film franchise - died "peacefully in his sleep" on Thursday, February 1.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024," his family said in a statement.

Weathers played college football at San Diego State University in the 1960s and he eventually signed with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League. However, after retiring from the sport in 1974, he decided to pursue a career in acting.

In total, Weathers appeared in more than 75 movies and TV shows during the course of his career, and his family have paid a glowing tribute to him.

Their statement continued, "Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognised worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend."

Weathers actually began his acting career as an extra, before he landed the role of Apollo Creed in the original "Rocky" movie. The actor starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the legendary film franchise, and the role proved to be a turning point in his life.

The Hollywood star subsequently appeared in a host of big-budget productions, including "Predator" and "Action Jackson", the 1988 action movie that also starred Sharon Stone.

What's more, Weathers appeared in Michael Jackson's "Liberian Girl" music video while he played the part of Chubbs Peterson, a golf instructor, in the 1996 comedy film "Happy Gilmore".

In 2004, Weathers played a caricature of himself in the hit comedy series "Arrested Development", and he starred as Greef Karga in the "Star Wars" spin-off series "The Mandalorian" between 2019 and 2023.