Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed) passes at 76

Many already knew that Apollo Creed was modeled after Muhamad Ali but many don't know Stallone wanted Apollo to have the Ken Norton physique. So much so he had Ken audition for the part. But Kens a boxer and Stallone was worried Norton would actually be dangerous to film scenes with. So, Wethers got the role. Apollo Creed was arrogant and loud mouthed (and a great fighter) like Ali- but had a lean chiseled physique like Kenny Norton.