Tributes flow for Rocky actor Carl Weathers after death aged 76

Tributes are flowing as stars learn of the death of Rocky and Predator actor Carl Weathers.

A mainstay in Hollywood, the actor "died peacefully in his sleep" on February 1 (February 2 Australian time), according to his family.

Sylvester Stallone posted a touching tribute video for his costar, who he said made Rocky what it is.

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"Today is an incredibly sad day for me. I'm so torn up I can't even tell you," Stallone, 77, shared in an Instagram video.

"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 realise 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 said, before pointing to the colourful painting behind him depicting the pivotal scene with Rocky and Apollo Creed, played by Weathers, in the ring.

"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 part of his life. So Apollo, keep punching."

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who Weathers starred alongside in Predator, shared a heartfelt tribute for his late friend.

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"Carl Weathers will always be a legend," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"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. Every minute with him - on set and off - was pure joy.

"He was the type of friend who pushes you to be your best just to keep up with him. I'll miss him, and my thoughts are with his family."

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Another Predator castmate, former Governor of Minnesota Jesse Ventura also penned a tribute on X, formerly Twitter.

"We lost an icon. Carl Weathers was a phenomenal talent, a true professional, and a dear friend. All my sympathies and love to his family. I loved working with him on Predator and then celebrating that film with him at various conventions in the ensuing years. Thank you, Carl," he wrote.

Adam Sandler, who worked with Weathers on Happy Gilmore, expressed his condolences in a tweet he posted soon after learning of Weather's death.

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"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," Sandler penned.

Actor Pedro Pascal, Weather's The Mandalorian castmate, simply posted a photo of the actor to his Instagram account with the caption, "Words fail."

Star Wars actor Mark Hamill, who also acted with Weathers in The Mandalorian, reflected on the loss of a number of Hollywood stars in the wake of Weather's death. He wrote on X, "It's been really hard losing so many great Americans recently, but deeply grateful we had them as long as we did. #RIP_ChitaRivera #RIP_JoeMadison #RIP_CarlWeathers".

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Former SNL writer and comedian Leslie Jones wrote on X, formerly Twitter, "Say it ain't so!! Apollo Creed!! RIP TO MR. Carl Weathers!"

Film director Robert Rodriguez spoke fondly about working with Weathers in the wake of his death.

"Will miss the great Carl Weathers who I was very fortunate to work with on several occasions. A very kind and generous person. His performances were always electrifying and he was also a terrific director of both stage and screen," he wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

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News of his death was delivered by his family via a statement to Deadline.

"We are deeply saddened to announce the passing of Carl Weathers," said the family.

"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 recognised worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend."

The actor is most well known for his role as Apollo Creed in four installments of Rocky, as well as in Predator, Happy Gilmore, and Arrested Development, among others.