40 Years LaterSee Sylvester Stallone and the Cast of ‘Rocky’ Then and Now!

Sylvester Stallone (Rocky Balboa)

After his lead role in Rocky, Sylvester, 70, went on to have a long and successful acting career appearing in 1993's Cliffhanger, The Expendables franchise and five more Rocky films. He most recently reprised his role as Rocky in the 2015 movie, Creed.

Talia Shire (Adrian Pennino)

The 70-year-old actress — who played Rocky's love interest Adrian in Rocky — is also known for her role in The Godfather franchise. She additionally appeared in all five Rocky sequels.

Burt Young (Paulie Pennino)

After playing Paulie in the drama, Burt, 76, added Once Upon a Time in America, Back to School, Roomies and the five Rocky sequels to his acting portfolio.

Carl Weathers (Apollo Creed)

Since fighting Rocky in the Rocky films, the 68-year-old actor has appeared in TV series' Tour of Duty, Street Justice, In the Heat of the Night, Brothers and most recently, Colony.

Burgess Meredith (Mickey Goldmill)

After Rocky, Burgess reprised his Mickey role in all of the film's sequels. He also appeared on the TV series Gloria, as well as in movies Grumpy Old Men and Grumpier Old Men. He sadly died after battling Alzheimer's disease in 1997. He was 97-years-old.

Thayer David (Miles Jergens)

Thayer later landed roles in Fun with Dick and Jane and House Calls after the first Rocky film. He sadly died at age 51 after suffering a heart attack in 1978.

Joe Spinell (Tony Gazzo)

Following Rocky and Rocky II, Joe landed roles in Maniac, Brubaker, The Last Horror Film, Cruising and Nighthawks. He died in 1989 after suffering a heart attack. He was 52-years-old.

The End!