One of the most enduring memories of the iconic ‘Rocky’ series remains ‘Apollo Creed’s entrance in the 1985 release ‘Rocky IV’. A happy-go-lucky walk-in, Creed, decked in an all-stars and stripes attire, swinging to legend James Brown‘s ‘Living in America’. Carl Weathers, who played the memorable character, was 43 at the time. Now the world has to come to terms with the sad news of his demise. However, his role as ‘Rocky’s first adversary and later close friend will forever be etched in golden letters in cinematic memory.

His co-star, the man who created ‘Apollo Creed’ and most of the other characters besides donning the lead role of ‘Rocky Balboa’, remembered Carl Weathers. Reportedly based on Muhammad Ali, ‘Apollo Creed’ became one of the focal points of the franchise right from the first edition, when he fought Sylvester Stallone in the climax, until the time when ‘Ivan Drago’ killed him in the ring in the series’ fourth edition. A deeply mournful ‘Sly’ paid rich tributes to his long-time friend and colleague.

One of a kind: Sylvester Stallone on Carl Weathers

“Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success—everything about it, I give him incredible credit and kudos,” said the Hollywood legend. He was standing in front of an oil painting that showed ‘Apollo Creed’ and ‘Rocky Balboa’ exchanging blows during their legendary clash. Stallone then recalled how he felt that electric greatness emanating from Weathers when he saw him for the first time.

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He said, “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.” Then he admitted he could have barely accomplished anything with ‘Rocky’ had it not been for the support he received from Carl Weathers: “I never could’ve 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.”

Calling his friend’s passing away a ‘horrible loss,’ Sylvester Stallone spoke about the painting. The artwork probably came about around the time when he and Weathers were in the ring for the last time. He said, “He was magic, and I was so fortunate to be part of his life. So, Apollo, keep punching.”

The pain, sadness, and heartbreak were visible on the Hollywood icon’s face.

Though clear reasons for his demise remain unavailable, per the available reports, his family shared that Carl Weathers had passed away peacefully in his sleep. He was 76.

Carl Weathers: Through the years

Born on January 14, 1948, in New Orleans, Louisiana, before he ventured into acting, Carl Weathers’ first interest was college football. The 6 feet, 2 inches tall, and 220-pound linebacker commenced his professional journey with the Oakland Raiders in 1970. A year later, he switched over to the BC Lions, where he played until 1973. However, by 1974, he had decided to retire from sports.

Over a few movies and sitcoms, he finally auditioned for the first ‘Rocky’ movie. Released in 1976, it achieved both critical and commercial acclaim. While speaking with the Hollywood Reporter back in 2015, Carl Weathers recalled his stint in the successful franchise: “The scripts I read were compelling. Those movies, for me, were not only interesting but always worth making, worth being a part of, and worth seeing. With [Rocky], it was breaking new ground, and we delivered something that was so magical in so many ways. In [Rocky IV], there was this extravaganza that was built all around this [Drago] fight.”

The actor went on to star in many action movies. Apart from ‘Apollo Creed’, a few other roles he would be remembered for would be that of ‘Al Dillon’, the Vietnam War veteran in ‘The Predator’, and ‘Happy Gilmore’s mentor, ‘Derrick ‘Chubbs’ Peterson’, in the eponymously titled 1996 movie.

Warm remembrances

Actor Adam Sandler, who played the role of ‘Happy Gilmore’, said about Carl Weathers: “A true great man. Great dad… 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.”

Taking to his X/Twitter account, screen legend and bodybuilding icon Arnold Schwarzenegger wrote, “Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person. We couldn’t have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn’t have had such a wonderful time making it.“

Clearly, the world is going to miss a classy actor and a great human being. Farewell, ‘Apollo Creed’. May the departed rest in eternal peace, from the entire ES Family.

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