An emotional Sylvester Stallone has taken to social media to pay tribute to his former Rocky co-star, Carl Weathers, who passed away aged 76.
On February 2, Carl Weathers' family announced that the star had died via a statement through his agency.
"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. 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."
Since the news was announced, tributes have been pouring in, with one of Weathers' most famous co-stars, Sylvester Stallone, honoring the late star.
Weathers was best known for playing Apollo Creed alongside Sylvester Stallone in the first four Rocky films.
He appeared in the iconic role in the first movie, Rocky (1976) before reprising the role just a few years later in 1979 in Rocky II followed closely by 1982's Rocky III before the character was killed off in his final movie for the franchise, Rocky IV.
The 77-year-old took to Instagram earlier today to post a video explaining his sadness at the death of his biggest on-screen rival and real-life friend. Have a look at the video below:
Stood behind his home bar, he said: "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 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," he continued.
Holding back tears, he added: "It's...it's a horrible loss and I'm standing here in front of this painting because it was probably the last moment we were ever in the ring together and I'll never forget it. He was magic and I was so fortunate to be a part of his life.
"So, Apollo, keep punching," he concluded.
Adam Sandler, who starred alongside Weathers on four separate occasions including Happy Gilmore and Little Nicky, took to Twitter (better known now as X) to write: "A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. Smart as hell. Loyal as hell. Funny as hell. Loved his sons more than anything. What a guy!! Everyone loved him.
"My wife and I had the best times with him every time we saw him. Love to his entire family and Carl will always be known as a true legend," he added.
Pedro Pascal also joined in on the tributes, taking to Instagram to share his heartbreak over the loss of his Mandalorian co-star.
Weathers appeared in Star Wars' spin-off series The Mandalorian as Greef Karga which he ended up winning an Emmy for.
"Words fail #CarlWeathers,” Pascal, 48, wrote alongside a throwback picture of Weathers.
Our thoughts are with his loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.