Carl Weathers, best known for his roles as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series and more recently Greef Karga in The Mandalorian, has died at the age of 76.
The legendary actor “died peacefully in his sleep”, according to a statement released by his family Friday.
Before starting his acting career, Weathers was a linebacker in the NFL. He first played with the Oakland Raiders in the NFL before signing with the BC Lions of the Canadian Football League (CFL) after going undrafted in the 1970 NFL Draft.
RELATED: “Brooklyn Nine-Nine” actor Andre Braugher dead at 61
The Mandalorian‘s official Instagram page put out a statement shortly after his family’s statement.
“Carl Weathers, forever a member of the Lucasfilm family, died Thursday. He was 76.”
“With the launch of The Mandalorian on Disney+, Weathers joined the galaxy far, far away as Greef Karga — an expeditor for the Bounty Hunter Guild who rises to become Magistrate of Nevarro, and ally to the Mandalorian and Grogu. He would receive an Emmy Award nomination for his efforts. In addition, Weathers stepped into the director’s chair for the critically-acclaimed episodes “Chapter 12: The Siege” and “Chapter 20: The Foundling.”
“We’ll miss you, Carl. Be peace.”
View this post on Instagram
The Rocky movie series also shared a message on Instagram.
View this post on Instagram
For his role in The Mandalorian, Weathers was nominated for the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.