'Torn Up' Sylvester Stallone Mourns Late 'Rocky' Co-Star Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers and Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone is speaking out about the loss of his beloved co-star and longtime friend, Carl Weathers, who died at age 76 on Thursday, Feb. 1.

Weathers starred opposite Stallone in the hit Rocky movies, famously playing the character Apollo Creed in the series' first four films.

He died "peacefully in his sleep" on Thursday, his family confirmed in a statement the following day. An official cause of death was not disclosed.

In the wake of the sad news, Stallone, 77, took to social media to memorialize his late co-star, telling his followers, "We lost a legend yesterday," in his caption.

"Today is an incredibly sad day for me," he stated in an emotional Instagram video, filmed in front of a giant painting depicting one of his iconic boxing scenes with Weathers. "I'm so torn up I can't even tell you."

"I'm just trying to hold it in because Carl Weathers was such an integral part of my life, my success, everything about it," he continued. "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 realize how great."

Stallone, known and loved for his role as the titular character Rocky Balboa, was not only the star of the franchise, but he also wrote the screenplay for all six films.

"I never could've accomplished what he did with Rocky without him," he continued of Weathers. "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 added of his friend's death before explaining some context behind the painting behind him.

"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 stated. "It was magic, and I was so fortunate to be part of his life."

Bidding the actor goodbye, Stallone ended the clip by tearfully saying, "So, Apollo, Keep punching."

In the caption of his Instagram post, Stallone wrote, "My life was forever changed for the better the day I met Carl Weathers."

"Rest in power and keep punching," he concluded.

Next: 46 Best Rocky Quotes Made Famous by Sylvester Stallone