actor Carl WeathersThe former professional football player who rose to fame playing charismatic boxer Apollo Creed in the Rocky movies died Thursday, his manager said in a statement Friday.

“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He passed away peacefully in his sleep,” manager Matt Luber said in a statement.

“Carl was an extraordinary man who lived an extraordinary life,” the statement continued. “Through his contributions to film, television, art and sport, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized around the world and across generations. He was a much loved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend.”

Carl Weathers and Sylvester Stallone PHOTO by MediaPunch / BACKGRID / Backgrid USA / Profimedia

Although he had other notable roles, starring in the recent Star Wars spin-off The Mandalorian and the 1987 sci-fi horror film Predator, Weathers was best known for his role as Apollo Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa in blockbusters of the 1970s and 1980s.

Weathers’ character was first a rival and then an ally of Rocky’s character in the first four films of the series.

Inspired by Muhammad Ali, Creed’s character showed intelligence and brilliance, giving audiences a strong and positive black character at a time when cinema was just beginning to break stereotypes.

Last year, in October, another important actor of the Rocky film series died – Burt Young, who played the brother-in-law of the main character Sylvester Stallone. It was 83 years ago.