ACTOR Carl Weathers died at 76.
Carl, whose career has spanned film and television, action and comedy, is best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise, as well as his role in the Adam Sandler comedy Happy Gilmore.
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Carl Weathers has died at the age of 76 Credit: Getty
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Carl starred with Sylvester Stallone in a number of Rocky movies Credit: Getty
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He was also known for his performance in Happy Gilmore with Adam Sandler Credit: Getty
“We are deeply saddened to announce that Carl Weathers has passed away,” his family said in a statement, according to Deadline.
The star died “peacefully in his sleep” on Thursday, his family announced.
“Carl was an extraordinary human being who lived an extraordinary life,” the statement continued.
“Through his contribution to film, television, art and sport, he left an indelible mark and is recognized around the world and across generations.”
“He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend,” the statement said.
The late actor has starred in more than 75 films and TV shows, including The Mandalorian, Predator and Arrested Development.
Before pursuing an acting career, Carl was a football star as a defensive lineman for San Diego State.
He played linebacker for the Oakland Raiders and retired from the sport in 1974, according to Sports Illustrated.
The Force 10 star from Navarone spent five seasons with Oakland, the BC Lions of the Canadian League and the Detroit Lions, as reported by The Washington Post.
‘FULL LIFE’
In a 1979 interview with the publication, the Semi-Tough actor opened up about his future and legacy.
“God knows I don’t have it all together, but I’ve learned that not doing what you want to do will limit the success you can achieve,” Carl admitted at the time.
“I like to think the old John Wayne knew that. He had his ups and downs, but there was a fulfilling life, a real career. He didn’t have to sign off full of regrets.”
“I’d rather die and go to hell right now than live and one day end up staring in the mirror and saying, ‘Have you ever been full…! You blew it, man!” he concluded.
HIS LAST MESSAGE
In late January, the actor-turned-director held a Q&A session with fans on Xu, formerly known as Twitter.
In his last tweetCarl paid tribute to his late co-star Burt Reynolds and re-shared behind-the-scenes footage of Semi-Tough.
“Burt was ‘the man!’ he chirped.
“He had nothing but respect for his career success. And he always showed a great sense of humor whenever our paths crossed.”
About two weeks ago, Carl’s co-star, Sylvester Stallone, shared a clip of their Rocky II boxing rehearsal on Instagram.
“Training for the final fight in Rocky 2. Rare footage.”
“Thought it was fun to share. Keep hitting,” the Rocky Balboa director wrote.
In 1977, the first Rocky sequel earned an Academy Award nomination for Best Original Screenplay for Sylvester and won Best Picture, Best Director and Best Film Editing.
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Sylvester and Carl pictured at the Golden Globes in January 2017. Credit: Getty
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Sylvester and Carl trade blows in Rocky 2. Credit: Alamy
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