Rocky cast ages: How old were the actors then (and now)?

There aren’t many movie franchises that are as widely recognize as the Rocky movies. Currently, there are nine movies in the sports drama series this includes three spin-offs. There is a 10th rumored movie, but we have not heard anything official about it yet. Rocky was released in 1976, so, as you can imagine, a lot has changed! How old were the actors in the first movie?

Sylvester Stallone created the multimedia franchise, which is inspired by the life of Chuck Wepner, a former professional boxer. According to Box Office Mojo, Rocky is one of the highest grossing franchises with nearly one billion in sales in Canada and the U.S. alone. Now, we know what a super star Stallone went on to be after portraying Robert “Rocky” Balboa, but what about everyone else? Let’s look in!

How old was Sylvester Stallone in Rocky (1976)?

At the time the first movie was filmed, Sylvester Stallone was 30-years-old. The actor is now 76 and has remained very much involved in the business, starring in multiple projects and franchises, including The Expendables. Most recently, Stallone is seen in Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, and will star in The Expendables 4, currently in post-production.

How old was Taila Shire in Rocky (1976)?

Shire was turning 30-years-old at the time of Rocky‘s release. The talented actress played Adriana “Adrian” Pennino, Rocky’s love interest and later wife. Today, Shire is 77. Most recently, she stars in Working Man, and has a movie in post-production titled Megalopolis. 

How old was Burt Young in Rocky (1976)?

Burt Young was 36-years-old when the movie premiered in theaters. He is now 83, but very much still active in Hollywood. In fact, Young has several projects in pre-production, including Street Justice and Way of the Warriors. 

How old was Carl Weathers in Rocky (1976)?

Carl Weathers portrayed Apollo Creed, one of the most popular characters in the franchise (after Rocky), at the age of 28. Today, Weathers is 75-years-old and a busy bee in the business. Some of his recent projects, include The Mandalorian and Chicago Justice. 

How old was Burgess Meredith in Rocky (1976)?

Finally, in the main cast, we have Burgess Meredith, who played Michael “Mickey” Goldmill in the first five movies. Unfortunately, Meredith passed away on Sept. 9, 1997, at the age of 89.

The movie Rocky is available to stream on Netflix.