As we reported yesterday, actor Carl Weathers has passed away.
While many celebrities had kind words for Withers, “Rocky” star Sylvester Stallone's tribute to his memory was truly touching.
Stallone remembers meeting Weathers for the first time and immediately knowing he was a star.
Variety has details:
Speaking through a video clip he posted on his Instagram account on Friday evening, Stallone recalled his long partnership with Withers, through the series “Rocky” and their friendship that lasted for decades. The star delivered the message while standing in front of a painting depicting their characters, Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed, wrestling in the ring.
“Today is a very sad day for me. I'm so torn up, I can't even tell you. I'm just trying to hold on because Carl Weathers has been an integral part of my life, my success — and everything that goes into it. I give him incredible credit and glory. Because when he walked into that… room and saw him for the first time, I saw greatness. “But I didn't realize how great he was,” Stallone said. “I could never have accomplished what we did with Rocky without him.”
“He was absolutely amazing — his voice, his size, his presence, his athletic ability, but most importantly, his heart and his soul. It's a terrible loss,” Stallone said. “He was magic. I was so lucky to be a part of his life.” Apollo, keep going beating.”
Withers starred in the first four Rocky films as Apollo Creed, who frequently faces off against the titular boxer Stallone in the ring. Although Creed died in “Rocky IV,” Weathers' legacy on the franchise lives on in the sequel series “Creed,” which stars Michael B. Jordan as Creed's son.
Watch the video below:
Sylvester Stallone has a heartfelt message about Carl Weathers. It's worth watching. pic.twitter.com/e9KWBeY415
– Ian Miles Cheung (@Stillgray) February 3, 2024
A fitting greeting from a great friend. Weather conditions will be missed.
