The Rocky franchise wasn’t just built on unforgettable fights; it was shaped by a cast of characters who gave the story heart, grit, and soul. Over the decades, several actors who helped define the series have sadly passed away, leaving behind performances that still resonate with fans around the world. Here’s a look back at 10 Rocky actors whose legacies continue to live on.
10. Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed)
Carl Weathers brought undeniable electricity to Rocky as Apollo Creed, the flashy champion who pushed Rocky Balboa to his limits and ultimately became his closest ally. Apollo wasn’t just a rival; he was the engine that powered the franchise’s emotional stakes. Weathers blended confidence, pride, and vulnerability, creating a character that felt real and deeply human. Outside the ring, Weathers built an impressive career with roles in Predator, Action Jackson, and the beloved comedic turn as Chubbs in Happy Gilmore. Later in life, he earned an Emmy nomination for The Mandalorian, proving his lasting appeal. Weathers passed away on February 2, 2024, at 76, leaving behind a pop culture legacy that still defines cinematic sports rivals.
9. Burt Young (Paulie Pennino)
Burt Young’s portrayal of Paulie Pennino added grit and authenticity to the Rocky films. As Adrian’s rough-edged brother, Paulie often walked the line between aggravating and endearing. His sharp tongue and weary outlook masked a deep loyalty to Rocky that grew stronger over time. Young’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination, and his career extended well beyond Rocky, with notable roles in Chinatown, Once Upon a Time in America, and The Sopranos. He passed away in October 2023 at age 83, remembered for grounding the franchise with humor, heart, and realism.
8. Burgess Meredith (Mickey Goldmill)
Burgess Meredith’s Mickey Goldmill was the gruff mentor every underdog needs. With his gravelly voice and tough-love coaching, Mickey shaped Rocky not just as a fighter, but as a man. His speeches became some of the most quoted moments in the franchise. Already a veteran actor before Rocky, Meredith appeared in countless films and TV shows, including his iconic turn as The Penguin on Batman. He died in 1997 at 89, but Mickey’s influence remains one of the emotional pillars of the series.
7. Sage Stallone (Rocky Jr.)
Sage Stallone stepped into the franchise as Rocky’s son in Rocky V, adding a deeply personal layer to the story. His performance captured the tension between legacy and independence, highlighting the cost of fame on family. While Sage later moved toward independent filmmaking and horror projects, his role in Rocky V remains his most recognized. He passed away unexpectedly in 2012 at just 36, leaving behind a short but meaningful contribution to the Rocky universe.
6. Tony Burton (Tony “Duke” Evers)
Tony Burton’s Duke Evers was the steady hand in the corner for both Apollo Creed and Rocky Balboa. With real-life boxing experience, Burton brought credibility and intensity to the role, making every training scene feel authentic. He appeared throughout the franchise and remained closely associated with its legacy, even though health issues prevented him from seeing the Creed films. Burton died in 2016, remembered as a vital piece of Rocky’s fighting spirit.
5. Thayer David (Miles Jergens)
Thayer David played Miles Jergens, the promoter who helped turn Rocky’s once-in-a-lifetime opportunity into reality. Though his role was brief, it was crucial in launching the underdog story that captivated audiences worldwide. A seasoned stage and screen actor, David appeared in films like Journey to the Center of the Earth. He passed away in 1978, making Rocky one of his final screen appearances.
4. Joe Spinell (Tony Gazzo)
Joe Spinell’s Tony Gazzo was a tough loan shark with surprising layers. His relationship with Rocky hinted at a rough, moral code, dangerous, but not heartless. Gazzo added texture to Rocky’s world beyond the boxing ring. Spinell was well known for roles in The Godfather, Taxi Driver, and Maniac. He died in 1989 at 52, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable character performances.
3. Sylvia Meals (Mary Anne Creed)
Sylvia Meals portrayed Mary Anne Creed, Apollo’s wife, offering a grounded emotional perspective amid the chaos of championship boxing. Her reactions to Apollo’s victories and losses brought weight to the consequences of the sport. Though her acting career was limited, her character lived on through the Creed films. Meals passed away in 2011 at age 67, remembered for her quiet but meaningful presence in the franchise.
2. Tommy Morrison (Tommy Gunn)
Tommy Morrison brought raw realism to Rocky V as Tommy Gunn, a gifted fighter whose ambition leads him down the wrong path. Morrison’s real boxing career added authenticity, especially in the film’s climactic street fight. A former world champion in real life, Morrison’s life was marked by both success and hardship. He died in 2013 at age 44, leaving behind a complex legacy as both an athlete and an actor.
1. Hulk Hogan (Thunderlips)
Hulk Hogan’s Thunderlips was pure spectacle. His over-the-top showdown with Rocky in Rocky III injected humor and showmanship into the franchise, becoming one of its most memorable sequences. Already a wrestling superstar, Hogan’s appearance helped bridge sports entertainment and cinema. He passed away on July 24, 2025, at 71, remembered for bringing larger-than-life energy to everything he touched.
The Rocky films endure because of the people who brought them to life—fighters, mentors, rivals, and family members who felt real and unforgettable. Though these actors are gone, their performances remain woven into the heart of one of cinema’s most beloved franchises, reminding fans why Rocky still packs an emotional punch decades later.