Carl Weathers, who rose to fame as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” film franchise, has died. He was 76 years old.
Weathers died Thursday, his manager Matt Luber said. His family said the actor-turned-director died in his sleep.
“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 recognized worldwide and across generations,” the family said in a statement.
The Louisiana-born film star was a successful football player before setting his sights on acting. He played college football at San Diego State University and signed with the Oakland Raiders in 1970 after going undrafted. He spent parts of two seasons in the NFL before playing with the B.C. Lions of the Canadian Football League.
Weathers retired from football in 1974 to pursue an acting career.
He became a household name for his role in the first “Rocky” film in 1976, when he played a cocky world heavyweight champion boxer determined to make headlines by giving Rocky Balboa, a washed-up underdog played by Sylvester Stallone, a shot at the title.
Source : https://www.wsj.com/arts-culture/film/carl-weathers-dead-9861429b?reflink=integratedwebview_share