Opinion
The Hollywood star Carl Weathers died “peacefully in his sleep” last Thursday at the age of 76. Now, Weathers’ Rocky co-star Sylvester Stallone is speaking out to pay tribute to him.
Stallone Honors Weathers
Stallone, 77, took to Instagram on Friday to pay tribute to Weathers after his passing.
“Hello everyone. Today is an incredibly sad day for me. I mean, I’m so torn up I can’t even tell you,” Stallone began. “I’m just trying to hold it in, because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, of my success.”
“Everything about it, I give him incredible credit and kudos,” he continued. “Because when he walked into that room and saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. But I didn’t realize how great. I never could have accomplished what we did with Rocky without him.’ Weathers notably took on the role of Apollo Creed in the Rocky franchise.
“He was absolutely brilliant, his voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability,” Stallone added. “But more importantly, his heart, his soul…It’s a horrible loss.”
Stallone went on to reference a painting on the wall behind him that showed him and Weathers in the ring together in Rocky.
“And I’m standing here in front of this painting because it was probably one of the last moments we were ever in the ring together and I will never forget it,” he stated.
Stallone ended the video by raising his fist with emotion as he said, “So Apollo…keep punching.”
Check out Stallone’s full tribute in the video below.
Weathers’ Death
This came after Weathers’ family announced that he died “peacefully in his sleep” on Thursday, February 1.
“We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers,” the family said in a statement, according to Daily Mail. “He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.”
“Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life,” they added. “Through his contributions to film, television, the arts 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.”
Weathers was a former professional football player who became a household name after he portrayed the heavyweight champion of the world Apollo Creed in 1976’s Rocky. He went on to reprise this role in multiple sequels to the classic film.
Related: Sylvester Stallone’s Wife Reveals Why They Fled California For Florida – ‘I’m Very Happy’
Weathers’ Rocky Audition
Weathers previously recalled insulting Stallone’s acting abilities during his Rocky audition, a move that ultimately landed him the role.
“There was nobody to read with, and they said you’re going to read with the writer [Stallone],” he once said. “And we read through the scene and at the end of it, I didn’t feel like it had really sailed, that the scene had sailed, and they were quiet and there was this moment of awkwardness, I felt, anyway.”
“So I just blurted out, ‘I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with,’” Weathers continued. “So I just insulted the star of the movie without really knowing it and not intending to.”
Related: Donald Trump Challenges Sylvester ‘Rocky’ Stallone, Jokes and Sparring Between Two Close Friends
Weathers was a true legend, and there will never be another one like him. Please join us in saying a prayer for Stallone and Weathers’ other loved ones during this difficult time.
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