"Rocky" star Tony Burton, who performed as Duke Evers, trainer to Apollo Creed and the Italian Stallion in the movie franchise, has died.
- RELATED COVERAGE
- Max's Steaks had a cameo in 'Creed' but struggles to draw customers to North Philly
- 'Rocky' successor 'Creed' highlights Philadelphia's revival
Burton was 78 and had been battling an undiagnosed illness for the past year, TMZ reports. He died at his California home.
TMZ also reported that Burton was unable to see "Creed" on the big screen due to his illness.
"Rocky" co-star Carl Weathers posted a tweet on Burton's passing.
Burton appeared in six of the "Rocky" films as well as "The Shining" and "Stir Crazy." Prior to acting he was a professional boxer and football player.