Carl Weathers, a talented actor in a variety of memorable roles, including Apollo Creed in the Rocky film series, has passed away.

Weathers previously played as a football linebacker before leaving the sport to pursue an acting career.

Weathers appeared in films like Bucktown and Friday Foster before winning the role of Rocky villain turned hero, Apollo Creed. It was a character he reprised in several of the following Rocky films. In an interview with The Cincinnati Post, Weathers insightfully pointed out that his experience in sports lent itself to his work as an actor.

He said, "I never act. I react, and I think that's what football players are used to doing, reacting." In addition, Weathers also appeared in the memorable role of Al Dillon in the John McTiernan film, Predator, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger.

Weathers also enjoyed a successful television career, guest-starring in shows like Good Times and Barnaby Jones. Weathers starred in the crime series Street Justice before starring in In the Heat of the Night, as Hampton Forbes, chief of police.

During an interview with the Clarion-Ledger, Weathers said that he knew star and producer, Carroll O'Connor, and was able to talk with him about the role before agreeing to take it on. Weathers said, "He [O'Connor] explained about the character, and it sounded really good. We really work well together."

Recently, Weathers appeared throughout three seasons of The Mandalorian as Greef Karga, a role that earned him an Emmy nomination. In addition, Weathers also directed some episodes of The Mandalorian.

According to reports, Weathers passed away in his sleep. His family released a statement and 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."