Carl Weathers tributes: Arnold Schwarzenegger, Pedro Pascal and Adam Sandler salute ‘a true legend’

Arnold Schwarzenegger, who starred alongside Weathers in 1987’s Predator, has posted a heartfelt tribute to his friend and co-star.

“Carl Weathers will always be a legend,” wrote Schwarzenegger. “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.”

The Independent’s video team have put together this compilation featuring some of Weathers’ finest moments from Happy Gilmore, Arrested Development, Predator, Rocky II and The Mandalorian.

Former basketball star Earvin “Magic” Johnson recalled his favourite Weathers roles, writing: “Rest in peace to the truly amazing actor and entertainer, Carl Weathers. We all marveled at his talents on the big screen in the “Rocky” franchise as Apollo Creed, and I really enjoyed him in his role as the police chief in the hit TV show “In the Heat of the Night”! Cookie and I are praying for the Weathers family during this difficult time.”

Among the many fans paying their respects to Weathers is the former Liverpool and Aston Villa footballer Stan Collymore, who writes: “Another part of the fabric of childhood passes on. Rest in Peace, Carl Weathers, AKA Apollo Creed. ‘There is no tomorrow!’”

Comedian and actor Jon Lovitz writes: “God bless Carl Weathers. A wonderful actor and athlete. I got to know him years ago. He hosted SNL and was so great to work with. So great in Rocky. And such a nice guy. Another good guy, gone. This is very sad news. God bless him and his family.”

Weathers was much-loved in the NFL world, and former Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III is among those paying tribute today.

“Carl Weathers has passed away at the age of 76,” he wrote. “There is no Rocky without Apollo Creed and we were lucky that Carl brought him to life. RIP to a legend.”

Pedro Pascal, who starred in The Mandalorian opposite Weathers, wrote on Instagram: “words fail”.

Former Saturday Night Live star Leslie Jones posted a short, shocked reaction to news of Weathers’ death: “Say it ain’t so!! Apollo Creed!! RIP TO MR. Carl Weathers!”

Stand-up comedian Dane Cook singled out a specific moment from Rocky which he says inspired him: “RIP to the legend Carl Weathers. This moment, your delivery of it in Rocky inspired me the moment I heard it. I live my life by it. Your voice and performance gave me belief. I love you for that. Rest in peace & power man.”