Tony Burton, most popularly known as Apollo Creed’s trainer in the cult-classic Rocky films, has passed.
He was 78.
MGM Studios tweeted a sincere message to the fallen entertainer late Thursday night.
Rest in Peace, Tony https://t.co/l9pzR65eCc
— MGM Studios (@MGM_Studios) February 26, 2016
Carl Weathers, who played Apollo in the film franchise, also shared his condolences via social media.
@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
According to Michigan Live, the actor and Flint native had been in and out of the hospital for the past year, but had yet to receive an official diagnosis. His youngest sister, Loretta Kelly stated that due to his health, he was unable to see Creed, the latest edition to the Rocky franchise.
However, the actor who lived in California for the last 30 years, did appear in the film via training scene flashbacks.
Though Rocky was a prominent time in his career, Burton went on to achieve success with memorable scenes in the 1970s flicks, The Shining and Stir Crazy.
In 1993, Tony Burton, who led a successful boxing career at an early age, was inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Sports Hall of Fame.
Our condolences go out to his family, friends and loved ones.
