Film world mourns boxer-turned-actor Tony Burton, the man in Rocky’s corner

Actor Tony Burton, who starred in six Rocky films alongside Sylvester Stallone, has died aged 78. The star passed away in California, according to his sister Loretta Kelley, who said he had been in and out of hospital over the past year. Burton played Tony “Duke” Evers who trained both Rocky Balboa and Apollo Creed. He was one of just four actors to star in all six of the first Rocky films.

Sad news. RIP Tony Burton. His intensity and talent helped make the Rocky movies successful. BePeace.

Carl Weathers

It is thought Burton’s ill health meant he did not get to see the most recent Rocky film, Creed, which has earned Stallone a best supporting actor Oscar nomination. Burton was born in Flint, Michigan, and fought as a professional boxer in the late 1950s. He was seen briefly in Creed, which was released in Britain last month, but only as part of a flashback which used stock footage from an earlier film. He also appeared in The Shining and Stir Crazy.

It’s just like someone in my own family passed. Whenever we got together we would reminisce on old times.

Former classmate Gerald Moore

tony burton