Arnold Schwarzenegger Pays Tribute to Late Costar Carl Weathers
The untimely passing of Carl Weathers, at the age of 76, has left the entertainment industry and fans mourning the loss of a true legend. Arnold Schwarzenegger, his costar and friend, took to Instagram to pay tribute and honor their time working together on the iconic 1987 sci-fi action film Predator.
In his heartfelt Instagram post, Schwarzenegger, now 76 himself, described Weathers as an extraordinary athlete, a fantastic actor, and an exceptional human being. He acknowledged that Predator would not have been the same without Weathers, stating, 'We couldn't have made Predator without him. And we certainly wouldn't have had such a wonderful time making it.'
Their camaraderie and friendship were evident both on and off the screen. Schwarzenegger shared that every minute spent with Weathers, both during the filming and in their personal lives, was pure joy. He reflected on Weathers as the type of friend who pushed him to be his best simply to keep up with him. Schwarzenegger concluded his tribute by expressing his sadness at the loss and offering his condolences to Weathers' family.
In Predator, Schwarzenegger portrayed the soldier Dutch, while Weathers played the role of Dillon. The film follows a team of commandos fighting for survival in a jungle, with an alien warrior hunting them down. Predator became a cult classic, spawning a franchise with sequels and spinoffs, the most recent being the 2022 film titled Prey.
Weathers himself shared fond memories of filming Predator in an interview with British GQ in 2020. He recalled the fun they had during downtime in production, particularly while in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. Weathers humorously hinted at their adventures, saying that what happened during the making of Predator stayed within the confines of that experience. But he also revealed the friendly competition that existed between the actors, emphasizing how they constantly pushed each other to look their best and never appear weak.
The stunning location of Puerto Vallarta, combined with a group of young actors in a film that relied heavily on physicality, led to plenty of fun and pranks behind the scenes. Weathers believed that this sense of camaraderie and enjoyment among the cast translated onto the screen, adding an extra layer to the movie.
Beyond his memorable role in Predator, Weathers gained fame for his portrayal of Apollo Creed opposite Sylvester Stallone in the Rocky films. He also showcased his comedic chops in movies like Happy Gilmore and made a recent appearance in the Star Wars series The Mandalorian, for which he earned an Emmy nomination.
Weathers' family released a statement on Friday expressing their grief and celebrating his incredible life. They described him as an exceptional human being who made a lasting impact through his contributions to film, television, the arts, and sports. His family acknowledged him as a beloved brother, father, grandfather, partner, and friend, highlighting his undeniable talent and the recognition he received across generations.
The loss of Carl Weathers leaves a void in the entertainment world, but his legacy will live on through his unforgettable performances and the lasting memories he created with his colleagues and loved ones. As fans mourn the passing of this beloved actor, we remember him as a true legend whose contributions will continue to inspire future generations.
