Gina Carano entered the “Star Wars” galaxy with a friend and mentor by her side.
Carl Weathers.
The “Rocky” actor co-starred with Carano on “The Mandalorian” for two seasons, including episodes Weathers directed. Carano recalled those warm experiences in an Instagram tribute to the actor who passed away Thursday at the age of 76.
“I bonded with him very closely on Mando season 1&2. [Showrunner] Jon Favreau felt he would be a good mentor for me because we shared the athlete turned actor bond, so Jon had him direct my first episode in season 2 of Mando. I believe had we gotten to Rangers of the New Republic, Carl would’ve directed me in much more. Jon F was right, we were a great fit,” Carano wrote on the social media platform.
“Carl was a mentor to me on set, he would put both his arms on my shoulders and look me directly in the eyes to calm my spirit. He had a wonderful perspective of telling a story that can only come through his experience and wisdom that he shared with me to help make me shine. I cherish those moments.”
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Y C A R A N O (@ginajcarano)Weathers, known for his iconic roles in the “Rocky” franchise and “Predator,” proved a warm presence on the Disney+ show’s set. He also showed his flair for comedy, both in projects like “Happy Gilmore” and his cheery on-set demeanor.
“I adored making him laugh, I always wanted to figure out how to make him smile, where the corner of his mouth would start to crack and I knew I had him, then out came his bellowing laugh. His laugh I can hear clearly now. His laugh that I will miss dearly.”
Carano recalled how Weathers reached out to her after Disney fired her for sharing social media messages that didn’t align with the company’s corporate groupthink.
“Carl called me directly after I was fired. I wasn’t in an emotional state where I could pick up the phone because of how upset I was, but we did end up speaking later on. He was gentle and encouraging and didn’t want me to give up, he was letting me know that he wasn’t throwing me away, he was trying to keep my hope alive in what seemed like quite hopeless scenario, he showed me he cared. That is who he was.
His big booming voice echoed throughout the stage and you just knew, this is what a movie star truly is.”
Adam Sandler, who co-starred with Weathers in “Happy Gilmore,” also praised the late actor on social media.
“A true great man. Great dad. Great actor. Great athlete. So much fun to be around always. 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.”
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