Carl Weathers, Of 'Rocky' Fame, Dead At 76

LOS ANGELES, CA — Actor Carl Weathers, whose decades-long career spanned famed franchises such as "Star Wars" and "Rocky" has died at age 76, his family announced Friday.

The cause of his death was not immediately announced. In a statement to Deadline, the family said Weathers "died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday."

Weathers rose to fame opposite Sylvester Stallone, as his nemesis and mentor Apollo Creed in four "Rocky" films. He reached the height of his fame in the 1980s as a household name for his work in "Rocky" and "Predator." However, younger generations discovered him during multiple career resurgences including a stint playing a silly version of himself in "Arrested Development," his role in "Happy Gilmore" and most recently as Greef Karga in "The Mandalorian." He received an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actor on "The Mandalorian."

"Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life," 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."

A native of New Orleans, Weathers played college football at San Diego State University and played briefly for the Oakland Raiders and then for the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League before retiring and pursuing an acting career.

"A true great man," Weathers' "Happy Gilmore" co-star Adam Sandler wrote on Instagram. "Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him. My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend."

Actor/comedian Jon Lovitz wrote on X, "God bless Carl Weathers. A wonderful actor and athlete. I got to know him years ago. He hosted `SNL' and was so great to work with. So great in `Rocky.' And such a nice guy. Another good guy, gone. This is very sad news. God bless him and his family."

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City News Service contributed to this report.