Highlights: American actor Carl Weathers, known for having played the boxer Apollo Creed in the Rocky saga, has died at the age of 76. The actor has appeared in more than 75 American films and television series during his career. His most famous role remains that of Apollo Creed, a tireless African-American puncher who finds himself challenged in the ring by Sylvester Stallone. Arnold Schwarzenegger, who deplored, Friday February 2, the loss of a “ legend ”.

American actor Carl Weathers, known for having played the boxer Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky saga, died at the age of 76, his family announced on Friday February 2.

Cinema: death of actor Carl Weathers, unforgettable Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” saga

American actor Carl Weathers, known for having played the boxer Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone in the

Rocky

saga , died at the age of 76, his family announced on Friday February 2.

Actors Carl Weathers and Sylvester Stallone on August 7, 2003 in Hollywood. Getty Images via AFP - KEVIN WINTER

By: RFI Follow

Carl Weathers died Thursday, February 1, “

peacefully in his sleep

,” according to a press release released by his loved ones. The actor has appeared in more than 75 American films and television series during his career. His most famous role remains that of Apollo Creed, a tireless African-American puncher who finds himself challenged in the ring by Sylvester Stallone in the

Rocky

saga .

Worship

In the original 1976

film

, Apollo Creed is a world heavyweight champion who puts his belt on the line against a complete stranger, played by Sylvester Stallone. Their final confrontation, with its share of blood, broken bones and blows filmed in slow motion, remains a cult moment and a reference in terms of fight films. The first

Rocky

won the Academy Award for Best Picture and launched the immense career of Sylvester Stallone.

First an enemy of Rocky Balboa, the character of Apollo Creed transforms during the films into the boxer's traveling companion. A development which allowed years later to relaunch the franchise, under the name of

Creed

, where Stallone becomes the coach of Adonis, the son of Apollo.

Carl Weathers was also opposed in the film

Predator

(1987) to Arnold Schwarzenegger, who deplored, Friday February 2, the loss of a “

legend

”. “

An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor and a wonderful person

,” praised the actor. “

We couldn't have made

Predator

without him. And we certainly wouldn't have had as much fun doing it.

Became Greef Karga

“

Carl Weathers was a phenomenal talent, a true professional and a dear friend

,” also praised actor Jesse Ventura, who played with him in

Predator

before becoming governor of Minnesota. More recently, Carl Weathers appeared in several episodes of the series

The Mandalorian

, inspired by the

Star Wars

universe . He played Greef Karga, head of the bounty hunters' guild who informs the Mandalorian of the wanted notice issued for Grogu, the little creature nicknamed "Baby Yoda" by fans.

Carl Weathers was born in 1948 in New Orleans. Before becoming an actor, he played eight games in the NFL, the professional American football league in the United States.

(

With AFP

)

All the cinemas in the worldRambo, Rocky and the others - The cinema of the Reagan years

Cinema: death of actor Carl Weathers, unforgettable Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” saga

Cinema: death of actor Carl Weathers, unforgettable Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” saga

Worship

Became Greef Karga

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