correction
A previous version of this article stated an incorrect date for Carl Weathers's death. He died Feb. 1. This article has been updated.
Carl Weathers, a former NFL linebacker turned muscle-flexing actor in action fare, memorably as nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” franchise, died Feb. 1 at 76.
Matt Luber, his manager, confirmed the death but did not provide a cause.
In a career that included straight dramatic Hollywood roles and sitcom farce, Mr. Weathers was perhaps most closely associated with Creed, who made his first appearance as the cocky, undisputed heavyweight world champion in “Rocky” (1976). The film, a low-budget underdog drama written by and starring the largely unknown Sylvester Stallone, became an unexpected blockbuster, won the Oscar for best picture and brought prominence to both actors.
