'He Was Magic': Sylvester Stallone, Arnold Schwarzenegger Pay Tribute To Carl Weathers
Carl Weathers, who starred as Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" films, died Thursday. He was 76.
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.”
Sylvester Stallone and Weathers smile together during a press conference in a still from the 1976 film "Rocky."
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:
We lost an icon. Carl Weathers was a phenomenal talent, a true professional, and a dear friend. All my sympathies and love to his family. I loved working with him on Predator and then celebrating that film with him at various conventions in the ensuing years.
Thank you, Carl. pic.twitter.com/29OJoe8qcu— Jesse Ventura (@GovJVentura) February 2, 2024
I will sorely miss my dear friend & brother Carl Weathers. You are truly one of the most wonderful human beings I have had the honor & pleasure of spending time with! I am grateful for your influence & support of all things good in my life. This is how I will always remember you. pic.twitter.com/CCH9yhxnU7
— Giancarlo Esposito (@quiethandfilms) February 2, 2024
Rest in peace to the truly amazing actor and entertainer, Carl Weathers. We all marveled at his talents on the big screen in the “Rocky” franchise as Apollo Creed, and I really enjoyed him in his role as the police chief in the hit TV show “In the Heat of the Night”! Cookie and I…
— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 2, 2024
Carl Weathers has passed away at the age of 76. There is no Rocky without Apollo Creed and we were lucky that Carl brought him to life. RIP to a legend. pic.twitter.com/yt2AIEl2h3
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) February 2, 2024
RIP to the legend Carl Weathers. This moment, your delivery of it in Rocky inspired me the moment I heard it. I live my life by it. Your voice and performance gave me belief. I love you for that. Rest in peace & power man. pic.twitter.com/AfGU4HLIZt
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) February 2, 2024