Carl Weathers at a 2023
(Photo : Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Disney)
Moderator Carl Weathers speaks onstage during The Mandalorian FYC Event at DGA Theater Complex in Hollywood, Calif., on June 11, 2023.

Action film star Carl Weathers - best known for playing Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" franchise - passed away on Thursday, Feb. 1. He was 76.

The actor, whose 76th birthday was on Jan. 14, was "peacefully in his sleep" in his Los Angeles home at the time of his death, his family said in a statement.

"Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life," it said in the tragic announcement. "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' career consisted mostly of action films and TV productions from start to finish, such as the "Rocky" franchise, "Predator," "Action Jackson," "Street Justice" and "The Mandalorian." The actor also made us laugh out loud when he played Derick "Chubbs" Peterson opposite Adam Sandler in the 1996 film "Happy Gilmore," in which his character mentored Sandler's hot-tempered title character.

Born in New Orleans on Jan. 14, 1948, Weathers played professional football in the early 1970s, appearing in eight games for the Oakland Raiders despite being undrafted, as well as 13 games for the Canadian Football League's BC Lions. Weathers' only statistic recorded in pro football was a fumble recovery during his time in the CFL.

By the time Weathers had retired from football, he was 26 and had already gotten some acting experience. In 1975, he landed roles in "Friday Foster," "Bucktown" and "Good Times."

In 1976, Weathers made his debut as Apollo Creed in the first "Rocky" film, playing the brash antagonist opposite Sylvester Stallone's underdog Rocky Balboa in what became an iconic franchise in American film and life-changing experience for the key people involved.

"Today is an incredibly sad day for me," a solemn Stallone said in a video posted on Friday, Feb. 2. "I'm so torn up, I can't even tell you. I'm just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success - everything about it - I give him incredible credit and kudos. Because, when he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness, but I didn't realize how great."

"I never could've accomplished what we did with 'Rocky' without him," the 77-year-old said. "He was absolutely brilliant. His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability ... but more importantly, his heart, his soul."

"It's a horrible loss. And I'm standing here in front of this painting because it was probably the last moment we were in the ring together, and I'll never forget it. He was magic, and I was so fortunate to be a part of his life."

"So, Apollo, keep punching."

Weathers is survived by his two sons.