Sylvester Stallone leads tributes after Rocky co-star Carl Weathers dies aged 76

Sylvester Stallone has paid tribute to his Rocky co-star Carl Weathers, following news that the actor passed away at the age of 76.

Yesterday (February 2) the actor's family confirmed the sad news, explaining that Weathers had passed away 'peacefully' on February 1.

The statement, shared with Deadline and Variety, reads: "We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers.

"He died peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 1st, 2024.

"Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life.

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"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' career spanned an impressive 50 years, with the actor getting his first big break in Sylvester Stallone's Rocky.

Following the news, the filmmaker took to social media to pay tribute to his friend.

You can watch the tribute below:

“Today is an incredibly sad day for me,” Stallone began.

“I mean, I’m so torn up I can’t even tell you. 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.

“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.

"He was magic, and I was so fortunate to be part of his life. So, Apollo, keep punching.”

In the caption, he added: "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."

Getty Images/ United Artists

Weathers starred as heavyweight boxing champion Apollo Creed in Stallone's 1976 movie.

In the fourth film Rocky IV, Dolph Lundgren, now 66, co-starred alongside Weathers.

He also paid tribute, describing Weathers as a 'terrific athlete and a good friend'.

“I was saddened to hear the news this morning. Along with the world, I will miss Carl. He was a great actor, a terrific athlete and a good friend," he wrote.

"I cherish many special memories of Carl, both professionally and personally. Like Apollo Creed, he had that special charm that always brought a smile to your face."

Meanwhile, Michael B. Jordan, who played Apollo’s son in the sequel Creed, also shared tribute, posting a story on his Instagram account and writing: “We lost a Legend.”