Sylvester Stallone leads tributes for Carl Weathers following his death at 76: 'Apollo, keep punching'

• Actor Carl Weathers died at the age of 76 on Thursday, according to a statement from his family.
• The actor and former NFL linebacker was best known for his work in the "Rocky" franchise.

Tributes are pouring in for Carl Weathers following his death on Thursday.

The actor, best known for his role as Apollo Creed in the "Rocky" film franchise, died "peacefully in his sleep" at the age of 76, according to a statement from his family.

"Carl was an exceptional human being who lived an extraordinary life," the statement said.

"Through his contributions to film, television, the arts and sports, he has left an indelible mark and is recognized worldwide and across generations. He was a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner and friend."

Here are some of the celebrities to have remembered him.

Sylvester Stallone led the tributes

Stallone honored his "Rocky" costar in a video that he uploaded to Instagram, reflecting on their partnership while standing in front of a painting depicting their characters, Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed, in the ring.

"Today is an incredibly sad day for me. I'm so torn up, I can't even tell you," Stallone began the video. "I'm just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success — everything about it, I give him incredible credit and kudos."

"I never could've accomplished what we did with 'Rocky' without him," he went on.

"He was absolutely brilliant — his voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but, most importantly, his heart, his soul. It's a horrible loss," Stallone continued. "He was magic. I was so fortunate to be part of his life. Apollo, keep punching."

Arnold Schwarzenegger dedicated a heartfelt Instagram post to his former costar

Weathers' "Predator" costar also remembered the late actor in a post shared on Instagram.

Alongside a series of photos of their collaboration in the 1987 action flick, 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."

"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," he added. "I'll miss him, and my thoughts are with his family," he added.

Michael B. Jordan also took to Instagram to pay tribute to the former NFL player

Michael B. Jordan, who played the son of Weathers' "Rocky" character in the spinoff franchise "Creed," reshared a photo of the actor on his Instagram story.

He captioned it: "We lost a Legend."

Adam Sandler also remembered the actor as a 'true legend'

"A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always," Sandler wrote of the actor in a post on X, formerly Twitter.

Weathers appeared alongside Sandler in the 1996 sports comedy "Happy Gilmore."

He continued: "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."

Pedro Pascal, who starred opposite Weathers in his final role, couldn't find the words to honor the actor

Pascal, who starred opposite Weathers in the Disney+ series "The Mandalorian," posted a photo of the late actor on Instagram with the caption: "words fail."

Weathers work on the show earned him a nomination for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Drama Series.

Weathers also worked behind the camera on the show, directing several episodes.

Director Robert Rodriguez remembered Weathers for his 'electrifying' performances

Robert Rodriguez, who worked with Weathers on an episode of "The Mandalorian," posted a photo on X of the two of them on set, writing: "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 added.

Jesse Ventura sent his love to Weathers' family

The former governor of Minnesota and ex-WWE wrestler — who appeared alongside Weathers and Schwarzenegger in "Predator" — wrote in a post on X: "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."