Tributes have started pouring in for Carl Weathers, who tragically passed away aged 76.
The actor, best known for his roles in Rocky and Predator, "died in his sleep" as per a heartfelt statement from his family who announced the news on February 1 through the star's agent.
"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.
"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."
Weathers was best known for playing Apollo Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone in the first four Rocky films.
He appeared in the iconic role in the first movie, Rocky (1976) before reprising the role just a few years later in 1979 in Rocky II followed closely by 1982's Rocky III before the character was killed off in his final movie for the franchise, Rocky IV.
More recently, he also appeared in Star Wars' spin-off series The Mandalorian in a guest role as Greef Karga which he ended up winning an Emmy for.
Since the news of his death was announced, touching tributes from his fellow co-stars and friends have been pouring in, honoring the star for leaving behind such a great legacy.
Adam Sandler, who starred alongside Weathers on four separate occasions including Happy Gilmore and Little Nicky, took to Twitter (better known now as X) to write: "A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him.
"My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend," he added.
The post also included some images of both actors from their time together.
Pedro pascal also joined in on the tributes, taking to Instagram to share his heartbreak over the loss of his Mandalorian co-star.
"Words fail #CarlWeathers,” Pascal, 48, wrote alongside a throwback picture of Weathers.
Ming-Na Wen, best known for portraying Fennec Shand on the same show, also posted her own tribute writing: "I was 37,000 miles up in the air when I found out about the passing of my beloved friend and our @themandalorian family member, @carlweathers. I cannot believe this wonderful man is gone."
Wen went onto share that at the time of the discovery, she was flying on a plane and her husband delivered the bad news to her over a text message.
"I normally don't drink on a plane, but after a good cry, I made a toast to Carl," she contonued. "Hoping I was closer to him up in the skies as he shares laughter with other angels in Heaven.
"RIP, Carl. I will miss your positivity, your generous heart, your humor and your friendship and guidance. You were a gem of a human being with a naughty twinkle that I adored. I'm so sad. Just so so sad," she concluded.
Jon Favreau, creator of The Mandalorian, also paid tribute to the late actor in a statement that was shared to the official Star Wars website.
"I am heartbroken by this devastating loss," Favreau wrote. "He was a hero from my childhood who I was lucky enough to meet and then had the amazing good fortune to work with. He had the energy and curiosity of a young man paired with the wisdom that his rich life and career afforded him. My heart goes out to his family and countless admirers."
Weathers is survied by his two sons.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.
