Tony Burton in a still from Rocky
Los Angeles:
Tony Burton, best known for his role as Apollo Creed's trainer 'Duke' in the Rocky series, died in California on Thursday, his sister Loretta Kelley confirmed in an interview to the website Michigan Live. He was 78.
Mr Burton, who had been in and out of hospital in the last one year, reportedly died after a long illness.
Carl Weathers, who played Apollo in the Rocky series, tweeted:
Mr Burton, who appeared in the first six Rocky films, played Tony 'Duke' Evers - a no-nonsense trainer who in the first two films supported Apollo Creed, Balboa's opponent.
In the later films played trainer to Sylvester Stallone's Balboa, helping him defeat foes such as Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago.
A native of Flint, Michigan, the actor won Flint Golden Gloves light heavyweight titles in 1955 and again in 1957, before fighting professionally for a brief while.
He also featured in films like The Shining and Stir Crazy.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
Mr Burton, who had been in and out of hospital in the last one year, reportedly died after a long illness.
Carl Weathers, who played Apollo in the Rocky series, tweeted:
@E_Woodyard @TheSlyStallone Sad news. RIP Tony Burton. His intensity and talent helped make the Rocky movies successful. #BePeace
— Carl Weathers (@TheCarlWeathers) February 26, 2016
Mr Burton, who appeared in the first six Rocky films, played Tony 'Duke' Evers - a no-nonsense trainer who in the first two films supported Apollo Creed, Balboa's opponent.
In the later films played trainer to Sylvester Stallone's Balboa, helping him defeat foes such as Clubber Lang and Ivan Drago.
A native of Flint, Michigan, the actor won Flint Golden Gloves light heavyweight titles in 1955 and again in 1957, before fighting professionally for a brief while.
He also featured in films like The Shining and Stir Crazy.
(This story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)
