Tony Burton, American actor, Died at 78

Anthony “Tony” Burton/ Anthony Burton was born on March 23, 1937, in Flint, Michigan, and died on February 25, 2016.

He was an American actor and comedian.

He was originally known for his role as Tony “Duke” Evers in the Rocky franchise.

Tony was a Flint Northern High School graduate, he was a Michigan Golden Gloves heavyweight boxing champion and two-time all-state football player.

He played halfback at Northern.

Tony scored 13 touchdowns and led his team in scoring, in 1954.

Most of his scoring runs were of 50 yards or more.

Tony Burton gained 820 yards rushing that year and one of his runs was for 95 yards.

During that same year, Tony was selected to the first teams of the All City and All Valley teams as a halfback.

Tony Burton was also chosen as an All State honorable.

Also, was the team’s co-captain and Most Valuable Player.

During a game against Grand Rapids Catholic, Tony gained 213 total yards.

At Northern, Burton was also the leading baseball pitcher, pitching the team to the city championship title.

Tony’s boxing career included the Flint Golden Gloves light heavyweight championship in 1955 and 1957.

He was the winner of the State Golden Gloves Light Heavyweight Championship in 1957 and lost in the Chicago Tournament of Champions semi-finals.

Tony Burton fought as a professional boxer in 1958 and 1959.

At that time, he was knocked out by knockout artist Lamar Clark who holds the record for most consecutive knockouts at 44.

After prison, Burton started getting work with small theater companies in and around Los Angeles, garnering favorable notices early on.

He received three and a half years for robbery at the California Institution for Men in Chino, California.

Tony Burton was a life member of the Actors Studio, Burton numbers among his many credits a co-starring role in Frank’s Place and parts in films, such as Hook, Stir Crazy, and The Toy.

Tony Burton passed away at 78 yrs old.