CELEBRITY DEATH – Sylvester Stallone shared an emotional tribute to fellow Rocky co-star, Carl Weathers, after the actor passed away ‘peacefully in his sleep’ at the age of 76 on Thursday, February 1.
The Expendables star, 77, took to his main Instagram page on Friday to share a video as he reflected on his close bond with Weathers as well as his ‘great’ talent in the industry.
In the caption of the reel, Stallone penned, ‘We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power and keeping punching.’
He began the clip by addressing his followers with, ‘Hello everyone. Today is an incredibly sad day for me. I mean, I’m so torn up I can’t even tell you.’
‘I’m just trying to hold it in,’ Sylvester continued, ‘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 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. I never could have accomplished what we did with Rocky without him.’ Weathers notably took on the role of Apollo Creed in Rocky franchise.
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Stallone further stated, ‘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.’
He then referenced to a colorful painting on a wall behind him that portrayed 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 ever in the ring together and I will never forget it.’
In conclusion, the First Blood star held up his fist in the air and said with emotion, ‘So Apollo…keep punching.’
Social media users took to the comment section to also mourn the loss of Weathers and sent their condolences.
