Tony Burton was an essential part of the Rocky franchise, appearing in every film from the original Rocky in 1976 through Rocky Balboa in 2006. As Tony “Duke” Evers, he began as Apollo Creed’s trusted trainer before stepping into Rocky Balboa’s corner later in the series. His presence brought authenticity to the films, and his character delivered some of the most memorable motivational speeches in the franchise.
Early Life and Boxing Career
Born on March 23, 1937, in Flint, Michigan, Burton had an athletic background that extended beyond the screen. He was a Michigan Golden Gloves champion, winning the Flint Golden Gloves light heavyweight title in both 1955 and 1957. In high school, he was an all-state football player, excelling as a halfback and earning the title of team co-captain and MVP. He also played baseball, leading his team to a city championship.
After high school, Burton pursued professional boxing in the late 1950s, competing in Hollywood, Palm Springs, and Los Angeles. His career faced a major setback when he fought Lamar Clark, the record-holder for the most consecutive knockouts in boxing history. Clark knocked him out, effectively ending his time in the ring.
Tony in Rocky and Acting Career
His deep understanding of the sport helped him land his defining role in Rocky. As Duke Evers, he trained Apollo Creed for his fights against Rocky Balboa before ultimately shifting sides to train Rocky himself. His character was a crucial part of Rocky’s comeback in Rocky III and Rocky IV, where he famously encouraged Balboa to fight back against Clubber Lang and later Ivan Drago. His speech before Rocky’s fight in Russia became one of the film’s most powerful moments.
Beyond the Rocky series, Burton appeared in several major films, including The Shining, where he played the garage owner Larry Durkin. His role in Stanley Kubrick’s horror classic led to an off-camera moment where he defeated the director in a game of chess on set. He also had roles in Assault on Precinct 13, Hook, and the made-for-TV movie Kill Me If You Can, which starred Talia Shire.
Burton was also active in television, making guest appearances on shows such as Kojak, The Rockford Files, CHiPs, Twin Peaks, and The A-Team. His appearance on The A-Team was a reunion with his Rocky III co-star Mr. T.
His final film appearance came in Rocky Balboa in 2006, where he reprised his role as Duke Evers one last time. The following year, he retired from acting.
In 1993, Burton was inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to sports and entertainment.
Tony Burton Died in 2016
Burton had been frequently hospitalized during the last year of his life. On February 26, 2016, he died at the age of 78 from complications of pneumonia at a hospital in Menifee, California. The cause of death was confirmed by his wife of 36 years, Aurelian Burton.
Sadly, he never had the chance to see Creed, the 2015 film that continued the Rocky legacy, though his character appeared through archive footage.
Legacy
His impact on the Rocky franchise and boxing films in general remains significant. His character’s words and presence in Rocky’s corner helped define the underdog spirit of the series. His legacy lives on through his performances, his contributions to sports, and his memorable role in one of the greatest film franchises of all time.
