Sylvester Stallone took to social media Friday to join a number of actors mourning the death of Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in the “Rocky” films.
Weathers, a former NFL linebacker, appeared in roles such as Col. Al Dillon in “Predator,” Combat Carl in the “Toy Story” franchise and Derick “Chubbs” Peterson in “Happy Gilmore.” He was also nominated for an Emmy Award in 2021 for his role in “The Mandalorian.”
He died Thursday at age 76, with his family saying that he died “peacefully in his sleep.”
Stallone, in a clip shared to Instagram, called it an “incredibly sad day” as he paid tribute to Weathers, who appeared alongside Stallone in the first four “Rocky” movies.
“I’m so torn up, I can’t even tell you,” he said. “I’m just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it — I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn’t realize how great.”
He added: “I never could have accomplished what we did with ‘Rocky’ without him. He was absolutely brilliant. His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability but, more importantly, his heart, his soul. It’s a horrible loss.”
Stallone continued his remarks as he stood near a painting by the late LeRoy Neiman, who appeared as a ring announcer in multiple “Rocky” films.
“I’m standing here in front of this painting because it was probably the last moment we were ever in the ring together, and I’ll never forget it,” Stallone said of the artwork, which showed the actors’ Rocky and Apollo characters fighting at the end of 1982′s “Rocky III.”
“He was magic, and I was so fortunate to be part of his life. So, Apollo, keep punching.”
United Artists via Getty Images
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred in 1987′s “Predator” with Weathers, also shared a tribute to the late actor Friday.
“Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person,” Schwarzenegger wrote on social media.
“We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it. Every minute with him – on set and off – was pure joy.”
Schwarzenegger also shared photos of him and Weathers from the film, including screenshots from their iconic handshake.
“He was the type of friend who pushes you to be your best just to keep up with him,” Schwarzenegger wrote. “I’ll miss him, and my thoughts are with his family.”
Adam Sandler, Weathers’ “Happy Gilmore” co-star, described him in a social media tribute as a “true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete.”
“So much fun to be around always,” Sandler wrote Friday. “Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him.”
He added: “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.”
Check out more tributes in the posts below: