Sylvester Stallone pays emotional tribute to Carl Weathers, Apollo Creed in 'Rocky'

Sylvester Stallone is mourning over the loss of his "Rocky" co-star and one-time screen opponent Carl Weathers, who died in his sleep Thursday at age 76.

In an emotional home video released on his Instagram account Friday, the day Weathers' passing was announced, Stallone paid tribute to the pro football player-turned-actor who starred as heavyweight Apollo Creed in four "Rocky" movies.

"Today is an incredibly sad day for me," Stallone said in the video where he held back tears but frequently pounded the counter in front of him. "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. 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."

Carl Weathers dies: Action star of 'Rocky' movies, 'Predator' and 'The Mandalorian,' dies at 76

Stallone gave credit for the runaway success of the 1976 hit "Rocky," which won three Oscars, (including best movie) and launched the boxing mega-franchise which continues today with the "Creed" movies, starring Michael B. Jordan as Apollo Creed's son Adonis.

“I never could have accomplished what we did with 'Rocky' without him. He was absolutely brilliant," said Stallone. "His voice, his size, his power, his athletic ability, but more importantly, his heart, his soul. It’s a horrible loss."

Stallone shot the video in front of an abstract painting of Rocky and Apollo fighting "because it was probably the last moment we were ever in the ring together."

"He was magic, and I was so fortunate to be part of his life,” Stallone said, ending with a message to Weathers. "Apollo, keep punching."

"We lost a legend today," Stallone wrote in the caption.

Schwarzenegger pays tribute, highlights famous 'Predator' handshake

Arnold Schwarzenegger paid tribute to his co-star in the 1987 action film "Predator."

"Carl Weathers will always be a legend. An extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and a great person," Schwarzenegger wrote in the Instagram post filled with photos of the classic '80s film. "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."

The photos included frames of the famed "Predator" handshake between the two action stars that showed their respective bulging biceps — part greeting, part muscle competition.

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

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Carl Weathers dies: Stallone, Schwarzenegger pay action star tribute