Carl Weathers, action star of 'Rocky' movies, 'Predator' and 'The Mandalorian,' dies at 76

Carl Weathers, the NFL player-turned-Hollywood action star known for his roles in the "Rocky" movie franchise, "Predator" and "The Mandalorian," has died. He was 76.

Weathers' manager, Matt Luber, confirmed the news to USA TODAY Friday.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers," the actor's family said in a statement shared by Luber. "He died peacefully in his sleep" Thursday, they said.

Weathers starred as boxer Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone in the original "Rocky," an acclaimed role he went on to reprise in three subsequent sequels before the character's death in 1985's "Rocky IV." In the ongoing "Creed" franchise, Michael B. Jordan plays the son of Weathers' character.

In 1987's "Predator," Weathers memorably portrayed Al Dillon, a CIA officer, opposite Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Remembering those we lost: Celebrity Deaths 2024

Every 'Rocky' moviedefinitively ranked (including 'Creed III')

In recent years, Weathers had a key role as Greef Karga on the Disney+ "Star Wars" series "The Mandalorian," appearing in all three seasons as a man who initially sends the title character on his bounty hunting missions. In 2021, he received an Emmy nomination for outstanding guest actor in a drama series for the role. He also directed episodes of the show in its second and third seasons.

Weathers' other film roles included the title character in the 1988 action film "Action Jackson," a golf coach in the Adam Sandler comedy "Happy Gilmore" and the voice of Combat Carl, a toy, in the Disney animated film "Toy Story 4." On the TV side, he starred in the crime dramas "Street Justice" and "In the Heat of the Night" and portrayed a comedic version of himself on "Arrested Development."

Before becoming an actor, Weathers played college football at San Diego State University and then in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders for one season in 1970. He subsequently played for two years in the Canadian Football League while studying at San Francisco State University.

His family said, "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. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend."

Weathers is survived by two children.

'The Mandalorian':How Baby Yoda, no longer a 'helpless little child,' grows up in Season 3

Adam Sandler, co-stars remember Carl Weathers

Adam Sandler, Weathers' former co-star in "Happy Gilmore," remembered the actor as a "true legend" in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

"A true great man," Sandler said. "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."

Jesse Ventura, who starred with Weathers in "Predator," also remembered him as a "phenomenal talent, a true professional, and a dear friend."

Contributing: Mark Kennedy, The Associated Press