Sylvester Stallone is sharing his heartfelt and emotional tribute to his late co-star, Carl Weathers. In a video posted just hours after the news of Weathers’ passing, Stallone can be seen visibly devastated, holding back tears as he honors his longtime friend and boxing companion.
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Stallone expresses his deep gratitude to Weathers, acknowledging that his career and success owe much to their collaboration. He describes Weathers as someone with a magnetic presence and an energy that made him truly special, particularly for the “Rocky” franchise. Stallone recalls their first meeting, recognizing Weathers’ star quality. Carl Weathers and Sylvester Stallone, forever linked by their iconic roles as Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa, left an undeniable mark on the Rocky movie franchise. While Stallone breathed life into the underdog boxer, Weathers brought depth and complexity to his rival, creating a dynamic that transcended boxing into a powerful story of respect, competition, and friendship. Their performances resonated with audiences worldwide, establishing Rocky as a cultural phenomenon.
According to TMZ, the emotional tribute was filmed with Stallone standing in front of the iconic painting that recreated the climactic scene from “Rocky III,” where their characters once again face off in the ring. Stallone concludes his heart-wrenching tribute with a special message for his dear friend: “Apollo, keep punching.” He also adds, “We lost a legend yesterday. My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers. Rest in power.”
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Beyond their contributions, their on-screen chemistry was the franchise’s heart, showcasing their characters’ evolution from fierce rivals to begrudging allies and, finally, close friends. Their impact extended beyond the ring, influencing generations of actors and filmmakers to explore themes of perseverance, hope, and the transformative power of human connection. In short, the Rocky series wouldn’t have achieved its legendary status without the combined brilliance of both Stallone and Weathers, forever etched in cinema history as one of the greatest on-screen rivalries.
Carl Weathers,76, reportedly passed away in his sleep on Thursday while surrounded by loved ones, according to a statement from the family. His other co-stars, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Dolph Lundgren, also paid tribute to Weathers after the news of his passing.
