Rocky fans are in mourning following the death of Apollo Creed actor Carl Weathers, who passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday at the age of 76. Weathers’ family released a statement paying tribute to his career and personal life. As the legacy of Creed continues in the Rocky film franchise, fans poignantly remember the last words of the actor in the iconic role—a promise that he forced Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky to make.
While Weathers’ most recognizable role was in the first four Rocky films, he was also part of several projects, including Predator, The Mandalorian, Happy Gilmore, and Arrested Development. He also served as a TV director, helming episodes of The Mandalorian, Chicago Med, FBI, Law & Order, and Hawaii Five-O.
Carl Weathers’ Last Words As Apollo Creed
Carl Weathers first appeared as the brash heavyweight champion, Apollo Creed, in Rocky. The boxer, dressed in the red, white, and blue colors of Uncle Sam, reprised his roles in three more films. By the third film, Creed had evolved into Rocky’s friend and mentor, training him in his match against Mr. T’s character. In his final appearance, the aging Apollo Creed challenges the formidable Russian boxer Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren, to an exhibition boxing match.
Unfortunately, Creed’s bout with the ruthless Drago takes an unexpected turn. Duke, Creed’s coach, pleads with him to stop the match after the first round, as Drago clearly has the upper hand over Creed. Carl Weathers’ last dialogue in the Rocky films happens during this moment with Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky. Before he goes for the second round with Drago, the beaten yet determined Apollo Creed tells Rocky in the scene:
“I want you to promise me you’re not gonna stop this fight, no matter what. [pause] No matter what!”
Ivan Drago continues to deliver devastating punches to Creed in the second round. Duke begs Rocky to throw in the towel, but the latter hesitates due to his promise to Creed. Drago lands one final fatal blow, resulting in Creed’s tragic death in the ring. Rocky and Mary Anne, Creed’s wife, are left as helpless onlookers as the remorseless Drago declares to the media: “If he dies, he dies.”
Carl Weathers’ Apollo Creed served as an inspiration for many, even years after the release of Rocky IV. The legacy of the character continues with Creed movies, where Michael B. Jordan stars as Apollo Creed’s illegitimate son, Adonis “Donnie” Johnson Creed.
Sylvester Stallone Mourns The Death Of Rocky Co-Star Carl Weathers
Sylvester Stallone shared a heartfelt video on his Instagram, expressing his sorrow over the passing of his co-star Carl Weathers. In the caption, Stallone mentioned that his life took a positive turn the day he met Weathers. Stallone began the video, “Today is an incredibly sad day for me.” He shared that Weathers was “an integral part” of his life. He revealed that he “never could have accomplished what [they] did with Rocky without him.” Stallone shared on his Instagram:
“I’m just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about him — I give him incredible credit and kudos because when he walked into that room, and I saw him for the first time, I felt greatness. 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.”
Carl Weathers also worked with Arnold Schwarzenegger in Predator. Schwarzenegger wrote on his Instagram that Weathers was “an extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person.” Michael B. Jordan’s Instagram story read, “We lost a legend,” while Weathers’ The Mandalorian co-star Pedro Pascal wrote the caption, “words fail,” on his Instagram.
