Weathers got his big-screen break in 1976, when he landed the role of nemesis-turned-ally Creed against Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky Balboa in the boxing franchise.
Stallone on Saturday described Weathers as “an integral part” of his life and said he was “torn up” over his death.
In a video tribute on Instagram, Stallone said it was “an incredibly sad day for me”.
“Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success … I give him incredible credit,” he said. “When he walked into that room and I saw him for the first time, I saw greatness but I didn’t realise how great.
“I never could have accomplished what we did with Rocky without him. He was absolutely brilliant.
“Rest in power and keep punching.”
Weathers’ introduction to the iconic franchise was not an auspicious start, he later revealed.
Auditioning alongside Stallone, the film’s writer and lead, but at the time a relative unknown, Weathers said he read the scene but felt it didn’t land.
“I could do a lot better if you got me a real actor to work with,” he recalled saying in an interview with the Hollywood Reporters.
“So I just insulted the star of the movie without really knowing it and not intending to.” He also lied that he had any boxing experience.
His character of Creed was loosely based on boxers Muhammad Ali, Jack Johnson, Sugar Ray Leonard and Joe Louis.
James Parker is a UK-based entertainment aficionado who delves into the glitz and glamour of the entertainment industry. From Hollywood to the West End, he offers readers an insider’s perspective on the world of movies, music, and pop culture.
