Hulk Hogan and Every Other ‘Rocky’ Actor Who Has Passed Away

The “Rocky” franchise has been a cinematic staple for decades, telling the story of the ultimate underdog, Rocky Balboa. Since the first film’s release in 1976, audiences have been introduced to a host of memorable characters who have become part of an enduring legacy. This includes Rocky’s opponents, his mentors, and his loved ones, all of whom have played a significant role in his journey.

Over the years, many of the talented actors who brought these characters to life have sadly passed away. From key figures in Rocky’s inner circle to the formidable adversaries he faced in the ring, their contributions have left a lasting impact on the series and on fans worldwide. This article pays tribute to the actors from the “Rocky” franchise who are no longer with us, honoring their memorable performances.

Thayer David

Thayer David played the fight promoter, Jergens, in Rocky (1976). He was the one who gave Rocky the unexpected shot at the heavyweight title against Apollo Creed. David, who was also known for his role in the TV series Dark Shadows, was born on March 4, 1927.

He passed away on July 17, 1978, at the age of 51. The cause of his death was a heart attack. His character was pivotal in setting the stage for the entire saga, creating the opportunity that would define Rocky’s life and career.

Frankie Van

Frankie Van appeared as the club fight referee in the opening scenes of Rocky (1976). He was born on August 15, 1904. His role, though brief, added to the gritty authenticity of Rocky’s early boxing career.

Van passed away on July 19, 1978. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed.

Butkus Stallone

Butkus Stallone was the beloved bullmastiff who played Rocky’s dog, Butkus, in Rocky (1976) and Rocky II (1979). He was Sylvester Stallone’s real-life dog and a constant companion to Rocky in the films. Butkus was born in 1972.

He passed away in 1981 from a heart attack. His presence in the films added a layer of warmth and loyalty to Rocky’s character, making him a fan favorite.

Jeff Temkin

Jeff Temkin was the ring announcer in Rocky II (1979) and Rocky III (1982). His voice introduced the highly anticipated rematch between Rocky and Apollo Creed. Temkin was born on September 25, 1946.

He died on January 8, 1982, at the age of 35. His cause of death was undisclosed.

Bill Baldwin

Bill Baldwin was a fight announcer and commentator in Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), and Rocky III (1982). His commentary helped build the excitement and drama of the film’s climactic boxing matches. Baldwin was born on November 26, 1913.

He passed away on November 17, 1982. The cause of death was not revealed.

Billy Sands

Billy Sands had a role as the club fight announcer in Rocky (1976). He was born on January 6, 1911. Sands was a character actor known for his work in television.

He died of lung cancer on August 27, 1984.

George Memmoli

George Memmoli played the ice rink attendant in Rocky (1976), who lets Rocky and Adrian have the rink to themselves after hours. Born on August 3, 1938, he was also known for his role in Martin Scorsese’s Mean Streets (1973).

Memmoli passed away on May 20, 1985. The cause of his death was undisclosed.

Earl Montgomery

Earl Montgomery appeared as an employment manager in Rocky II (1979). He was born on April 17, 1921.

He died on March 4, 1987, due to complications from leukemia.

Simmy Bow

Simmy Bow played a club corner man in Rocky (1976). He was born on June 7, 1921.

Bow passed away on December 21, 1987. His cause of death was not disclosed.

Jack Hollander

Jack Hollander appeared as “Fats” in Rocky (1976). He was born on January 29, 1918.

He died on October 24, 1988. The cause of death was not publicly revealed.

Joe Spinell

Joe Spinell played the loan shark, Gazzo, in Rocky (1976) and Rocky II (1979). Gazzo was Rocky’s employer who, despite his tough exterior, showed a degree of concern for him. Spinell was born on October 28, 1936, and was also known for his roles in Taxi Driver (1976) and The Godfather films.

He passed away on January 13, 1989, from a heart attack.

George O’Hanlon

George O’Hanlon was a TV commentator in Rocky (1976). Born on November 23, 1912, he was famously the voice of George Jetson in the animated series The Jetsons.

O’Hanlon died of a stroke on February 11, 1989.

Jimmy Lennon Sr.

Jimmy Lennon Sr. appeared as a title announcer in Rocky III (1982). He was a well-known boxing ring announcer in real life. He was born on April 12, 1913.

He passed away on April 20, 1992. His cause of death was not disclosed.

Jim Healy

Jim Healy was a wrestling commentator in Rocky III (1982). Born on September 14, 1923, he was a prominent sports radio personality in Los Angeles.

Healy died on July 22, 1994. The cause of his death was undisclosed.

Al Silvani

Al Silvani played Al, the cut man, in Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), and Rocky III (1982). Silvani was a real-life boxing trainer and cutman. He was born on March 26, 1910.

He passed away on January 10, 1996. The cause of his death was not publicly disclosed.

Dennis James

Dennis James appeared as a wrestling commentator in Rocky III (1982). He was a well-known television host and announcer, born on August 24, 1917.

James died of lung cancer on June 3, 1997.

Burgess Meredith

Burgess Meredith delivered an iconic performance as Mickey Goldmill, Rocky’s cantankerous but caring trainer, in Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), and Rocky III (1982). He also made a flashback appearance in Rocky V (1990). Meredith, a celebrated actor with a long career, was born on November 16, 1907.

He passed away on September 9, 1997, from melanoma and Alzheimer’s disease. Meredith’s portrayal of Mickey earned him an Academy Award nomination and became one of the most beloved characters in the franchise.

James ‘Cannonball’ Green

James ‘Cannonball’ Green played Manuel Vega in Rocky IV (1985). He was born on July 28, 1917.

He died on June 24, 1998. His cause of death was undisclosed.

Nicky Blair

Nicky Blair appeared as a fight promoter in Rocky V (1990). Born on July 26, 1926, he was also known as a restaurateur in Hollywood.

Blair died of liver cancer on November 22, 1998.

Paul Micale

Paul Micale played Father Carmine in Rocky II (1979), the priest who marries Rocky and Adrian. He was born on January 2, 1916.

He passed away on January 16, 1999, due to complications from Alzheimer’s disease.

James J. Casino

James J. Casino played Chink’s Manager in Rocky II (1979). He was born on October 10, 1920.

Casino died on September 6, 1999. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Fran Ryan

Fran Ryan appeared as Adrian’s nurse in Rocky II (1979). She was a character actress with a long career in film and television, born on November 29, 1916.

She passed away from natural causes on January 15, 2000.

Arnold Johnson

Arnold Johnson played Apollo’s lawyer in Rocky (1976). He was born on November 15, 1921.

Johnson died of renal failure on April 10, 2000.

Tony Maffatone

Tony Maffatone appeared as a KGB agent in Rocky IV (1985). He was born on December 24, 1943.

He died in a scuba diving accident on August 2, 2000.

Hank Rolike

Hank Rolike played an Apollo corner man in Rocky (1976) and Rocky II (1979). He was born on June 20, 1927.

Rolike passed away on October 14, 2002. His cause of death was undisclosed.

Shirley O’Hara

Shirley O’Hara appeared as a secretary in Rocky (1976). She was born on August 15, 1924.

She died on December 13, 2002, from complications from diabetes.

Fred Pinkard

Fred Pinkard played a lawyer in Rocky II (1979). He was born on January 25, 1920.

Pinkard passed away from natural causes on August 2, 2004.

Eddie Smith

Eddie Smith appeared as Clubber’s cornerman in Rocky III (1982). He was born on December 1, 1924.

He died on June 1, 2005. The cause of his death was not disclosed.

James Brown

The legendary “Godfather of Soul,” James Brown, made a memorable appearance as himself, performing “Living in America” before the Apollo Creed vs. Ivan Drago fight in Rocky IV (1985). Brown was born on May 3, 1933.

He passed away on December 25, 2006, from pneumonia. His performance became an iconic part of the film’s soundtrack and spectacle.

Leonard Gaines

Leonard Gaines played an agent in Rocky II (1979). He was born on October 13, 1922.

Gaines died on February 15, 2007. The cause of his death was undisclosed.

DeForest Covan

DeForest Covan appeared in Apollo’s corner in Rocky (1976). He was born on September 9, 1917.

He passed away on September 8, 2007. The cause of his death was not revealed.

Philmore Berger

Philmore Berger had a role as a rabbi in Rocky III (1982). He was born on April 10, 1927.

Berger died on November 1, 2007. His cause of death was undisclosed.

Stu Nahan

Stu Nahan was a versatile announcer and commentator who appeared in Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990), and Rocky Balboa (2006). A real-life sportscaster, he lent authenticity to the fight scenes. Nahan was born on June 23, 1926.

He passed away from lymphoma on December 26, 2007.

Lou Fillipo

Lou Fillipo had a recurring role as a referee in Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), and Rocky V (1990). He was a real-life boxing referee. Fillipo was born on December 1, 1925.

He died on November 2, 2009, from complications from a stroke.

Michael Pataki

Michael Pataki played Nicoli Koloff, a Soviet official, in Rocky IV (1985). He was born on January 16, 1936.

Pataki passed away from cancer on April 15, 2010.

Sylvia Meals

Sylvia Meals portrayed Mary Anne Creed, Apollo Creed’s wife, in Rocky II (1979) and Rocky IV (1985). She was born on June 13, 1943.

She passed away on March 29, 2011. The cause of her death was not disclosed.

Joe Sorbello

Joe Sorbello appeared as a bodyguard in Rocky (1976). He was born on February 13, 1932.

Sorbello died on May 22, 2011. His cause of death was undisclosed.

Frank Stallone

Frank Stallone, the father of Sylvester Stallone, had a cameo as the timekeeper in Rocky (1976). He was born on September 12, 1919.

He passed away from prostate cancer on July 11, 2011.

Joe Frazier

Legendary heavyweight boxer Joe Frazier made a cameo appearance as himself in Rocky (1976). Frazier, a real-life rival of Muhammad Ali, added to the film’s authenticity. He was born on January 12, 1944.

He died of liver cancer on November 7, 2011.

Don Sherman

Don Sherman played Andy, the bartender, in Rocky (1976), Rocky III (1982), Rocky V (1990), and Rocky Balboa (2006). He was born on March 1, 1932.

Sherman passed away from cancer on June 15, 2012.

LeRoy Neiman

Famed artist LeRoy Neiman appeared as a ring announcer and fight announcer in Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990), and Rocky Balboa (2006). Known for his colorful depictions of sporting events, he was born on June 8, 1921.

He passed away on June 20, 2012. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Sage Stallone

Sage Stallone, Sylvester Stallone’s son, played Rocky Jr. in Rocky V (1990). His performance explored the strained relationship between Rocky and his son. Sage was born on May 5, 1976.

He died on July 13, 2012, from coronary artery disease.

Wally Taylor

Wally Taylor played Clubber’s manager in Rocky III (1982). He was born on July 14, 1930.

Taylor died of heart disease on October 7, 2012.

Mario Machado

Mario Machado appeared as an interviewer in Rocky III (1982). He was a television and radio broadcaster, born on April 22, 1935.

He passed away from complications from pneumonia on May 4, 2013.

Tommy Morrison

Tommy Morrison, a real-life heavyweight boxer, starred as Tommy “The Machine” Gunn in Rocky V (1990). He played Rocky’s protege who eventually turns against him. Morrison was born on January 2, 1969.

He died on September 1, 2013, from cardiac arrest.

Tony Munafo

Tony Munafo had roles as a boxer in Rocky II (1979) and a drinker in Rocky V (1990). He was born on October 5, 1945.

Munafo passed away on December 18, 2014. The cause of death was undisclosed.

R.J. Adams

R.J. Adams appeared as a sports announcer in Rocky IV (1985). He was born on September 20, 1942.

He died of a heart attack on January 26, 2015.

David Lloyd Austin

David Lloyd Austin played the Soviet leader in Rocky IV (1985). He was born on October 21, 1943.

Austin passed away on March 24, 2015. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Tony Burton

Tony Burton played Tony “Duke” Evers, Apollo Creed’s trainer, who later becomes Rocky’s trainer. He appeared in Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990), and Rocky Balboa (2006). Burton, a former professional boxer, brought authenticity and gravitas to the role.

Born on March 23, 1937, he passed away on February 25, 2016, from complications from pneumonia. Duke was a constant presence in the franchise, evolving from a rival’s cornerman to one of Rocky’s most trusted allies.

Shepherd Sanders

Shepherd Sanders appeared as an employment manager in Rocky II (1979). He was born on December 31, 1927.

He died on September 14, 2016. His cause of death was undisclosed.

Marty Denkin

Marty Denkin was a referee in Rocky III (1982) and Rocky IV (1985). He was a real-life boxing referee, born on February 25, 1934.

Denkin passed away on November 29, 2018. The cause of his death was not disclosed.

Dominic Barto

Dominic Barto played a Russian government official in Rocky IV (1985). He was born on December 20, 1930.

He died on April 10, 2019. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Gene Crane

Gene Crane appeared as the mayor in Rocky III (1982). He was a Philadelphia television personality, born on May 27, 1920.

Crane passed away on August 26, 2019, following complications from a fall.

Frank McRae

Frank McRae played the meat foreman in Rocky II (1979). A former professional football player, he had a long career as a character actor. He was born on March 18, 1944.

He died of a heart attack on April 29, 2021.

Jerry Ziesmer

Jerry Ziesmer appeared as a salesman in Rocky II (1979). He was born on May 31, 1939.

Ziesmer passed away on August 1, 2021. His cause of death was undisclosed.

Taurean Blacque

Taurean Blacque played a lawyer in Rocky II (1979). He was best known for his role on the TV series Hill Street Blues. He was born on May 10, 1940.

He died on July 21, 2022, after a battle with an illness.

Burt Young

Burt Young played Paulie Pennino, Adrian’s brother and Rocky’s loyal but often difficult friend. He appeared in Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), Rocky IV (1985), Rocky V (1990), and Rocky Balboa (2006). Young’s portrayal of the complicated and deeply human Paulie earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Born on April 30, 1940, he passed away on October 8, 2023, from cardiac arrest. Paulie was a central figure in Rocky’s life, and Young’s performance made him an unforgettable part of the series.

Carl Weathers

Carl Weathers brought the charismatic and formidable Apollo Creed to life in Rocky (1976), Rocky II (1979), Rocky III (1982), and Rocky IV (1985). As Rocky’s rival who becomes a close friend, Weathers created one of cinema’s most iconic characters.

Born on January 14, 1948, he passed away on February 1, 2024, due to atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. Weathers’ portrayal of Creed was pivotal to the franchise’s success, and his character’s legacy continues in the Creed films.

Mickey Gilbert

Mickey Gilbert had a role as a police officer in Rocky III (1982). He was a longtime stuntman and stunt coordinator in Hollywood. Gilbert was born on April 17, 1936.

He died of natural causes on February 5, 2024.

Whitney Rydbeck

Whitney Rydbeck appeared as a sound man in Rocky II (1979). He was born on March 13, 1945.

Rydbeck passed away from cancer on July 15, 2024.

Hulk Hogan

Hulk Hogan, one of the most famous wrestlers in history, has died at the age of 71. TMZ reported that Hogan, whose real name was Terry Bollea, had a heart attack at his home in Clearwater, Florida, on Thursday. He was taken to the hospital but didn’t survive.

Hogan was put into the WWE Hall of Fame twice, once in 2005 and again in 2020 with the nWo. Outside of wrestling, he acted in movies like Rocky III and No Holds Barred and had his own reality TV show, Hogan Knows Best.