Legendary Actor from ‘Rocky’ Sadly Passes Away

It’s a sad day in Hollywood.

Tony Burton, a star of the legendary film series “Rocky,” has tragically passed away at 78 years old.

NME reported that Burton played Tony ‘Duke’ Evers in the first six installments of Rocky.

His character was first introduced as the trainer of Rocky Balboa’s rival Apollo Creed, later becoming Balboa’s manager. Burton was one of only four actors to appear in the first sixRocky films.

Actor Carl Weathers, who played Apollo Creed in the first four movies, took to Twitter to pay tribute to Burton. He wrote: “Sad news. RIP Tony Burton. His intensity and talent helped make the Rocky movies successful.”

Burton’s younger sister Loretta Kelley confirmed the news of his death to local Michigan paper MLive. The cause of death is not yet known, with Kelley saying that Burton had been “in and out of the hospital for the past year, but never received an official diagnosis”.

Burton acted in many other films besides Rocky. He also appeared in  Assault on Precinct 13, Frank’s Place, The A-Team, NYPD Blue, Kojak and Twin Peaks.

Before becoming an actor, Burton was a professional boxer.

Please pray for the Burton family, and let us know your thoughts in the comments section below!