Sylvester Stallone shared an emotional tribute to Rocky co-star Carl Weathers after the actor passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on Thursday, February 1 at the age of 76.
The Expendables star, 77, took to his main Instagram page on Friday to share a video in which he reflected on his close bond with Weathers and his “great” talent in the industry.
In the film’s caption, Stallone wrote, “We lost a legend yesterday. My life changed forever for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keep punching.’
He started the clip by addressing his followers with: ‘Hello everyone. Today is a very sad day for me. I mean, I’m so torn I can’t even tell you.”
“I just try to keep it inside,” Sylvester continued, “because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life and my success.”
Sylvester Stallone, 77, shared an emotional tribute to fellow Rocky co-star, Carl Weathers, after the actor passed away “peacefully in his sleep” on Thursday, February 1 at the age of 76.
In the film’s caption, Stallone wrote, “We lost a legend yesterday. My life changed forever for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keep punching’
He started the clip by addressing his followers with: ‘Hello everyone. Today is a very sad day for me. I mean, I’m so torn I can’t even tell you.”
“Everything about it, I give him incredible praise and compliments,” he added. “Because when he walked into that room and saw him for the first time, I saw greatness.”
‘But I didn’t realize how great. Without him I would never have been able to achieve what we did with Rocky.” Weathers most notably took on the role of Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise.
Stallone further stated, “He was absolutely brilliant, his voice, his size, his strength, his athleticism. But more importantly, his heart, his soul… It’s a terrible loss.”
He then referred to a colorful painting on the wall behind him depicting both Sylvester and Carl in the ‘ring together’ from the Rocky films.
“And I’m standing here in front of this painting because it was probably one of the last moments we were in the ring together and I’ll never forget it.”
Finally, the First Blood star raised his fist in the air and said emotionally, “So Apollo… keep punching.”
Social media users took to the comments section to also mourn the loss of Weathers and offered their condolences.
One fan wrote: ‘Great tribute, Sly. Carl was truly unique. REST IN PEACE. Keep hitting!!” while another added: ‘Truly a legendary loss. Grateful for the work and contribution to the world you have made together.’
“I just try to hold it in,” Sylvester continued, “because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, of my success.”
‘But I didn’t realize how great. Without him I would never have been able to achieve what we did with Rocky.” Weathers most notably took on the role of Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise
Stallone further stated, “He was absolutely brilliant, his voice, his size, his strength, his athleticism. But more importantly, his heart, his soul… It’s a terrible loss’; the couple seen in Rocky II (1979)
“And I’m standing here in front of this painting because it was probably one of the last moments we ever stood in the ring together and I’ll never forget it,” he said.
Finally, the First Blood star raised his fist in the air and said emotionally, “So Apollo… keep punching.”
The film star died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ on Thursday, February 1, his family announced in a statement.
They said: “We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1, 2024.”
‘Carl was an exceptional person who led an extraordinary life. Through his contributions to film, television, art 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.”
Former professional football player Weathers became famous worldwide for playing world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in 1976’s Rocky.
Creed gave ‘Italian Stallion’ underdog Rocky (Sylvester Stallone) his shot at the title in the iconic film.
And he reprized his role in 1979’s Rocky II, in which Creed had a title rematch with Rocky, in 1982’s Rocky III, in which he faced Clubber Lang (Mr.T), and in 1984’s Rocky IV, in which his character entered the ring was murdered by Russians. heavyweight Ivan Drago (Dolph Lundgren).
His character also formed the core of the storyline for the critically acclaimed Rocky spin-off film series Creed, which stars Michael B. Jordan as Apollo’s secret son and boxer Adonis Creed.
The film star died ‘peacefully in his sleep’ on Thursday, February 1, his family announced in a statement; seen in May 2022 in Anaheim
Former professional football player Weathers achieved worldwide fame playing world heavyweight champion Apollo Creed in 1976’s Rocky; Stallone and Weathers seen together in 2017
Weathers previously revealed that he insulted Stallone’s acting skills during his Rocky audition, which landed him the role.
He said, ‘There was no one to read with, and they said you were going to read with the writer (Stallone).
And we read through the scene and at the end of it I didn’t feel like it had really happened, that the scene had happened, and they were silent and there was a moment of awkwardness, I felt anyway.
“So I just blurted out, ‘I could do a much better job if you had a real actor for me to work with.’ So I just offended the star of the movie without really knowing and without meaning to.”
Stallone felt like the jibe was something Creed would say, and Weathers added, “Sometimes it’s the mistakes that get you the gig.”
He is survived by sons Jason and Matthew whom he shared with ex-wife Mary Ann Castle and his grandchildren.
Arnold Schwarzenegger was another celebrity on Friday who shared a tribute to the late star upon hearing the news of his death.
The Terminator actor shared a photo of the pair in 1987’s Predator – in which Schwarzenegger played Major Alan ‘Dutch’ Schaefer and Weathers played Al Dillon – while praising the star’s dedication to his craft.