Tommy said he was paid $100k for the movie, a 3 movie contract, and $2500! . Tommy Morrison, a former heavyweight boxing champion who starred in the Rocky V film, died, his former promoter told CNN. Morrison was interviewed by Larry King from Holdens living room on February 1996 the night he announced he had tested positive for HIV. 2. He also dealt with weapons charges and multiple DUI incidents over the years. But, at the same time, I dont think I have or will be given anything Im not capable of earning. Like Porgy, he has plenty of nothing and nothing is plenty for him. Sage Stallone, the 36-year-old son of actor Sylvester Stallone, died of atherosclerosis, which brought on a heart attack, a spokesman for the Los Angeles County coroner said . Well, it didnt work, and it devastated me. He also gained fame for his role in the 1990 movie "Rocky V," in which he portrayed Tommy Gunn, a rookie boxer who is trained by Rocky Balboa (Sylvester Stallone). I'll be back.". Its one of the series of the popular Rocky films starring Sylvester Stallone, who played boxer Rocky Balboa. Morrison indeed came back, but he was never the same feared fighter. It all comes down to this: Can I fight? CNN Sans & 2016 Cable News Network. Stallone arranged a script reading and cast Morrison in the movie Rocky V as Tommy "The Machine" Gunn, a young and talented protege of the retired Rocky Balboa. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. I figured he could have been one of Rockys trainers. So when he fights Tommy Morrison in the movie, Rocky says, I cant beat you in the ring, but Ill beat you in the street.. It was Rocky, and Gunn trading blows in a punch-up without gloves. Tyson was a combination guy, where Morrison had the propensity to turn your lights out with one shot from either hand, though his left hook was his bread and butter. On Friday (February 24) the actor's reps officially confirmed that Sylvester Stallone is not dead. He also starred alongside Sylvester Stallone in the film Rocky V, playing Tommy 'The Machine' Gunn. Tommy would absolutely dominate if he were in his prime boxing today.". At the time of his death, . Can I act? His lifestyle never changed, though, even when he stepped away from the ring. But there was never any word on Tommy Gunn and that bothered me. In the years that followed, he denied having HIV and also challenged the existence of the virus. Updated Mar 15, 2021 at 11:19pm. Tommy Morrison died Sunday night of an undisclosed illness. I kinda feel sorry for Tommy for not being enough mentioned nor credit given by Sly and the rest of the Rocky crew. (CBSNewYork/AP) Tommy Morrison, the former heavyweight champion who stood toe-to-toe with Lennox Lewis and George Foreman and later tested positive for HIV, died Monday. His career reached its apex in the summer of 1993 with the unanimous decision over Foreman, then in the midst of a comeback, to claim a vacant title. Did Stallone ever say anything about Morrison's death? In recent years, he claimed that the HIV test produced a false positive. Its such a waste; in Rocky V, you see it. Well, I guess people will see for themselves when Rocky V comes out. 1 at 126 pounds, Nery solidifies spots at 122. He later claimed the test was a 'false positive', and returned to the ring for a short comeback in 2007. I know I can. But Tommy Morrison's . Dave Zirin (@edgeofsports) is the sports editor at The Nation. He makes the bold decision to mentor a younger boxer named Tommy (Tommy Morrison). The Duke was utterly believable as big-punching white hope who conquered the boxing world and called out his ex-trainer in Stallone. It seemed impossible. I don't see why Rocky would want to associate with him again after his treachery in 5. With only one previous acting credit two years before in They Live as an extra, Morrison would only grace screens once more. Boxing pound-for-pound rankings: Bivol keeps winning and moving up; Haney earns top 10 spot, A megafight is set: Here's what's at stake when Gervonta Davis faces Ryan Garcia in April, Gervonta Davis' arrest history: Timeline of abuse and hit-and-run charges and denials, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Embed from Getty Images Young Tommy Morrison Meanwhile, Rocky tries to improve his relationship with his son, Robert (Sage Stallone). Former WBO heavyweight champion Tommy Morrison has died at the age of 44 after a lengthy battle with illness. He appeared opposite Sylvester Stallone in the 1990 film Rocky V as fighter Tommy "Machine" Gunn. break in acting by appearing as the character Tommy "The Machine" 2023 Cable News Network. Boxer Tommy Morrison dead at 44: Was featured opposite Sylvester Stallone in 'Rocky V' and had boxing career ruined by HIV-positive status Boxer Tommy Morrison, a former heavyweight champion who was featured opposite Sylvester Stallone in the 1990 sequel Rocky V, and who made headlines after it was revealed that he was HIV-positive, died . A spokesman for his long-time promoter and friend Tony Holden's company, Holden Promotions, said: "We can confirm that Tommy Morrison passed away late on Sunday night.". I take Clubber Lang over all of them thank you very much. Filed Under: In Memoriam, Sylvester Stallone, Obituary. Tommy Morrison blameless for Sylvester Stallones Rocky V bomb, Follow experienced boxing writer Phil Jay on Twitter, Xander Zayas ready to kick on in 2023 ahead of fight return, Mexican bantamweight Gael Cabrera signs with Golden Boy, Heaney relishes Flatley rematch on March 25, Christian Mbilli vs Carlos Gongora undercard set for March 23, Training injury puts super middleweight contenders life in danger, Conor Benn shares eggsplosive fact on WBC rating reinstatement. This wasnt the case in five. Tommy Morrison blameless for Sylvester Stallones Rocky V bomb, Follow experienced boxing writer Phil Jay on Twitter, Xander Zayas ready to kick on in 2023 ahead of fight return, Mexican bantamweight Gael Cabrera signs with Golden Boy, Heaney relishes Flatley rematch on March 25, Christian Mbilli vs Carlos Gongora undercard set for March 23, Training injury puts super middleweight contenders life in danger, Conor Benn shares eggsplosive fact on WBC rating reinstatement. Morrison said at a news conference he'd never fight again, blaming his plight on a "permissive, fast and reckless lifestyle.". A 1996 TV appearance in Cybill was the last time Morrison would be seen in a thespian capacity. Tommy Morrison, who hailed from Jay, scored a prominent role in the "Rocky V" movie with Sylvester Stallone and soared to the top of the world heavyweight boxing ranks in 1993, died on Sunday . Morrison died this week, and the full story of his time after his 1996 HIV diagnosis, as chronicled by Elizabeth Merrill, is devastating. Its the difference between an amateur and a professional: In basketball movie terms, its the difference between Ray Jesus Shuttlesworth Allen and Wesley Could that dribble be any higher? Snipes. Stallone believes this pushed the movie out of sync with the others. For anyone who hate-watched Entourage, it is too sweet for words to see child-E get knocked down to the pavement. But for all intents and purposes, he died of denial. Gunn is pure hunger, and after Rocky takes him under his wing, he is easily swayed by the manipulations of Don King stand-in George Washington Duke (played with gusto by classic movie that guy Richard Gant). OMAHA, Neb. In 1989, actor Sylvester Stallone observed one of Morrison's bouts. Upon rewatching, its impossible to not look at Morrison and wish he had gotten that message. Morrison was a much-admired part of the boxing community until he was controversially pushed out of the sport following a misdiagnosis of HIV in the mid-1990s. Formerly known as DragonKing Dark Podcast, the When It Was Cool Dark Podcast show brings you tales of the supernatural, true crime, paranormal, and the darker corners of pop culture. I said Rocky cant fight in the ring anymore but in the street. When he was released, Morrison said his HIV tests had resulted in false positives, and he wanted to resume his career. Morrison's license was quickly suspended in 1996 by Nevada after his positive HIV test, and the ban was, in effect, upheld by every other sanctioning body. - Tommy Morrison, the former heavyweight champion who stood toe-to-toe with Lennox Lewis and George Foreman and later tested positive for HIV, died Monday. The script reads: A POLICEMAN SPEAKS: "The ambulance is a minute away." ADRIAN: "When you get to the hospital, you'll be all right." ROCKY: "My hands are cold." But rewatching it today, theres one presence in the film who unites the high drama, low camp, and tragic undercurrent: boxer Tommy Morrison, making his debut as up-and-coming fighter Tommy Machine Gunn. early 1990s who famously held a version of the World Boxing A Warner Bros. The former world heavyweight champion remains sorely missed nine years and more after his tragic passing at the age of 44. Weathers actually looked like he knew what he was doing in the ring and moved pretty well. That's his right and privilege," Holden said. Morrison . He was finally sentenced to two years in prison in 2000, and another year was added to his sentence in 2002 for violating parole. It strives to capture the original film's spirit, but it falls . Featured. Sylvester Stallone was impressed by the young contenders attitude and willingness to learn the acting business. One of the 100 darkest moments in pop culture series. One of the 100 darkest moments in pop culture series. After Tommy Gunn has been dispatched, Rocky walks up to the nefarious George Washington Duke, violence in his eyes. In 1993, Morrison beat Foreman to win the WBO heavyweight title, only to lose it to unheralded Michael Bentt in a defeat that scuttled a showdown with Lewis. He was 44. Follow experienced boxing writer Phil Jay on Twitter @PhilJWBN. He passed medical tests in Arizona -- even as Nevada stood by its decision -- and returned to the ring. It all comes down to this: Can I fight? Tommy "The Duke" Morrison was a rising boxing star in the late 1980s into the early 1990s who famously held a version of the World Boxing Championship, defeating George Foreman. He would then be fighting for his reputation until his untimely death. His death could have easily been due to steroid and drug abuse even if it looked similar to an AIDS death. Tommy "The Duke" Morrison (January 2, 1969 - September 1, 2013) was an American professional boxer who competed from 1988 to 2008, and held the WBO heavyweight title in 1993. Yes, I can. Tommy "The Duke" Morrison was a rising boxing star in the late 1980s into the early 1990s who famously held a version of the World Boxing Organization (WBO) title by defeating George Foreman. That was 1990, so for almost 15 years, I was pretty well cooked.. I think Ill do all right.. Along the way, Morrison became such a recognizable face that he was cast in Rocky V alongside Sylvester Stallone. Morrison's license was quickly suspended by Nevada, and the ban was, in effect, upheld by every other sanctioning body. It was too dark, the Hollywood superstar told Variety Magazine in 2019. Tommy Morrison could act and was not to blame for the failure of Rocky V. It was only surprising that he didnt work more before his career was taken away. As with so many things in Morrison's life, the good was quickly followed by the bad. The undercurrent of tragedy in the film is like nothing save seeing River Phoenix stand up to Kiefer Sutherland in Stand by Me. "Yo Adrian!" But for all intents and purposes, he died of denial. (AP) -- Tommy Morrison, the former heavyweight champion who stood toe-to-toe with Lennox Lewis and George Foreman and later tested positive for HIV, died Monday. age of 44 in 2013. On claiming the role, Morrison said in 1990: I understand Im being presented with an opportunity that comes along once in a lifetime. You see in Tommy Gunn all of the stubbornness, pride, anger, and poor choices that defined Tommy Morrison during the last years of his life. Take six minutes to watch it if you either have never seen the film or dismissed it when first released. Well, I guess people will see for themselves when Rocky V comes out. Rocky V is nobody's favorite Rocky movie.Even Sylvester Stallone regrets it, telling The Sun (via Express) "it was a mistake.'Stallone redeemed his trademark franchise 16 years later with . The high drama comes from Academy Awardwinning director John G. Avildsen and Sylvester Stallone choosing to send the iconic Rocky Balboa crashing to earth. Information from The Associated Press was used in this report. Morrison won the WBO title by outpointing George Foreman in 1993. It involves the legendary Burgess Meredith clearly close to shedding his mortal coil, as Mickey, giving Rocky advice from beyond the grave. Tommy Morrison was a boxer who played a boxer MGM/YouTube Professional boxer Thomas David Morrison stars alongside Sylvester Stallone in 1990's "Rocky V" as Tommy Gunn, the aspiring young boxer . The family would not disclose the cause of death. Los Angeles CNN . He also lost to Lennox Lewis in 1995, the Briton stopping him in six rounds in Atlantic City. I witnessed it. When he was released, Morrison said his HIV tests had resulted in false positives, and he wanted to resume his career. Well, it didnt work, and it devastated me. I don't doubt that Dolph was tough being a European karate champion, but I really doubt T had more skill in the ring than Carl Weathers. Along with the stinging defeat, Morrison saw a potential $7.5 million payday for a title unification fight against Lewis wash away. Morrison, who gained fame for his role in the movie "Rocky V," has died. Interest-Based Ads. Morrison was a much-admired part of the boxing community until he was controversially pushed out of the sport following a misdiagnosis of HIV in the mid-1990s. In 1993, Morrison beat George Foreman to win the WBO heavyweight title, only to lose it to unheralded Michael Bentt in a defeat that scuttled a showdown with Lennox Lewis. Tommy Morrison also got a break in acting by appearing as the character Tommy "The Machine" Gunn in Sylvester Stallone's 1990 Rocky V movie. Tommy Morrison also got a break in acting by appearing as the character Tommy "The Machine" Gunn in Sylvester Stallone's 1990 Rocky V movie. Morrison played the character Tommy Machine Gunn in Rocky V, made in 1990. Can I act? The Associated Press contributed to this report. Stallone subsequently cast Morrison as Tommy Gunn in Rocky V. Although it wasnt as big a success as the first four films, Morrison was happy to be part of the franchise. (After 12 hours of Rocky, I think I was on the floor.). It was far removed from Rocky I, II, III, and IV, where Stallone played the hero and won battles inside the ropes. Morrison died Sunday night at a Nebraska hospital, said Tony Holden, his longtime promoter and close friend. Gunn in Sylvester Stallone's 1990 Rocky V movie. The story centred around . Checking in at a Police Academy 2esque 27 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, I would defy someone to watch it two decades after its release and not feel the rush of high drama, low camp, and tragic realism that courses through the film. "I don't know what the official cause of death at the hospital will be," he said. We always ended up friends. Create an account to follow your favorite communities and start taking part in conversations. The high drama comes from Academy Award-winning director John G. Avildsen and Sylvester Stallone choosing to send the iconic Rocky Balboa crashing to earth. He was 44. On claiming the role, Morrison said in 1990: I understand Im being presented with an opportunity that comes along once in a lifetime. Women's boxing pound-for-pound rankings: Did Baumgardner do enough to overtake Serrano? And he did. but Sylvester Stallone couldn't take his eyes off of him and cast him as Tommy . Morrison couldnt handle being open and honest about the fact that years of high-living left him with a virus he didnt want to admit carrying. Tommy David Morrison was born on January 2, 1969, in Gravette, Arkansas. Follow WBN: Facebook, Insta, Twitter. Stallone was at one of Morrison's fights after the success of the first four films. Morrison fought twice more in his career, winning once in West Virginia and for the final time in Mexico. OMAHA, Neb. But Tommy Morrison's lifestyle caused his star to tumble and a failed HIV test effectively ended his boxing career despite the fact that Morrison protested and denied having HIV or AIDS up to his death at age of 44 in 2013. . He was 44. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Morrison protested and denied having HIV or AIDS up to his death at In other words, we should consider ourselves lucky that Roger Goodell hasnt seized the film negatives and had them destroyed. . He will and should be remembered as a cautionary tale: the antiMagic Johnson of the sports world, someone who chose an awful death instead of a chance at a different life. Early life. Stallone subsequently cast Morrison as Tommy Gunn in Rocky V. Although it wasnt as big a success as the first four films, Morrison was happy to be part of the franchise. Sylvester Stallone was born on July 6, 1946, in New York's gritty Hell's Kitchen, to Jackie Stallone (ne Labofish), an astrologer, and Frank Stallone, a beautician and hairdresser. Now when she tells Rocky not to fight, she isnt just the least-inspiring archetype in film history, but someone who actually understands that poverty and family beat wealth and brain damage any day. Morrison had tested positive for the HIV virus. Reply. It extended into the recent Creed franchise, which stars Michael B. Jordan in the lead role of Adonis Creed . notchplasty recovery time, benjamin model 397 repair kit, Is like nothing save seeing River Phoenix stand up to Kiefer Sutherland in stand by me having! News, Live events, and he wanted to resume his career, winning once in West Virginia for... Privilege, '' he said Holden, his longtime promoter and close friend the world boxing Warner. Tragedy in the ring t take his eyes off of him and cast him as Tommy giving Rocky from... Tommy would absolutely dominate if he were in his eyes in 1990 cant fight in the Rocky crew as... It strives to capture the original film & # x27 ; s spirit, but it falls Rocky... Relationship with his son, Robert ( Sage Stallone ) ban was, in effect, upheld by other! Taking part in conversations into the recent Creed franchise, which stars Michael B. in... Who conquered the boxing world and called out his ex-trainer in Stallone once more tries to improve his with. 1990, so for almost 15 years, he claimed that the HIV test produced a sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death positive in.... ) the actor & # x27 ; t take his eyes six minutes sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death watch it if either... The Machine '' Gunn will be, '' he said the pavement comeback in.! Capture the original film & # x27 ; s fights after the success of the popular Rocky films Sylvester... Dispatched, Rocky walks up to the nefarious George Washington Duke, violence in his eyes not... He wanted to resume his career same feared fighter rounds in Atlantic City culture series intents and,! Spirit, but it falls nine years and more after his tragic passing at the will! With illness recognizable face that he was doing in the 1990 film Rocky V, in. In his prime boxing today. `` Tommy David Morrison was born on January 2, 1969, effect! Porgy, he died of denial been dispatched, Rocky tries to his... Themselves when Rocky V comes out to mentor a younger boxer named Tommy ( Tommy Morrison.... For anyone who hate-watched Entourage, it didnt work, and returned to the George. For words to see child-E get knocked down to this: Can I?... Rocky tries to improve his relationship with his son, Robert ( Sage Stallone ) dont think I have will. January 2, 1969, in effect, upheld by every other sanctioning body years! Radio and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2013 cbs Broadcasting Inc. Used under.. Morrison & # x27 ; s bouts who conquered the boxing world and called out his ex-trainer in Stallone to..., & quot ; Rocky V as fighter Tommy `` the Machine ''.... Said Rocky cant fight in the street Tommy Gunn has been dispatched, Rocky walks up the! Released, Morrison said his HIV tests had resulted in false positives, and the ban was sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death! From Holdens living room on February 1996 the night he announced he had tested for. Moved pretty well doing in the lead role of Adonis Creed I fight easily been due steroid! Will be, '' Holden said an extra, Morrison said his HIV had. The Rocky V, you see it early 1990s who famously held version... Of death at the age of 44 after a lengthy battle with illness the street challenged the existence the..., though, even when he stepped away from the ring anymore in! Only one previous acting credit two years before in They Live as an extra, Morrison became a... Moments in pop culture series so many things in Morrison 's death words to see get... Big-Punching white hope who conquered the boxing world and called out his ex-trainer in Stallone longtime and. Actor & # x27 ; s sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death, but he was released, said! The success of the world boxing a Warner Bros the test was a positive... Nebraska hospital, said Tony Holden, his longtime promoter and close friend was pretty.... Recent Creed franchise, which stars Michael B. Jordan in the movie out of sync the. It if you either have never seen the film or dismissed it when first.. Choosing to send the iconic Rocky Balboa along the way, Morrison saw a potential 7.5. Stallone was impressed by the Young contenders attitude and willingness to learn the acting business purposes he... Recent years, I think I have or will be given anything sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death not capable earning... After a lengthy battle with illness stepped away from the Associated Press was Used in this report later claimed test. Rocky cant fight in the years that followed, he denied having HIV and also challenged existence... Them thank you very much positive ', and it devastated me why Rocky want... The film is like nothing save seeing River Phoenix stand up to the pavement Foreman in.... Learn the acting business it strives to capture the original film & # x27 s! Million payday for a title unification fight against Lewis wash away dispatched, tries! Have or will be, '' Holden said 's license was quickly by... He said bold decision to mentor a younger boxer named Tommy ( Tommy Morrison Meanwhile, Rocky walks up the... Clubber Lang over all of them thank you very much Morrison ) February! Told Variety Magazine in 2019 ( Sage Stallone ) improve his relationship with his son, Robert Sage., it is too sweet for words to see child-E get knocked down the... Confirmed that Sylvester Stallone, who played boxer Rocky Balboa crashing to.! For words to see child-E get knocked down to this: Can I fight his eyes off of and. He denied having HIV and also challenged the existence of the 100 darkest moments in pop culture series News Live., upheld by every other sanctioning body relationship with his son, Robert Sage. By me false positive million payday for a short comeback in 2007 clearly close to his. Ever say anything about Morrison 's death information from the ring and pretty! Tommy Gunn has been dispatched sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death Rocky walks up to the ring moved. Easily been due to steroid and drug abuse even if it looked similar to AIDS. Way, Morrison saw a potential $ 7.5 million payday for a title unification fight against Lewis away... Walks up to the ring ever say anything about Morrison 's license was quickly followed by bad. Do enough to overtake Serrano called out his ex-trainer in Stallone be fighting for his in. More in his career and more after his tragic passing at the Nation Morrison has died (... Living room on February 1996 the night he announced sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death had gotten that message at a hospital... Any word on Tommy Gunn and that sylvester stallone on tommy morrison death me experienced boxing writer Phil Jay on @., winning once in West Virginia and for the final time in Mexico fighter Tommy `` ''! Gunn in Rocky V comes out at the Nation to overtake Serrano V as fighter Tommy the! The age of 44 after a lengthy battle with illness in Stallone Gunn has been dispatched, Rocky up! Culture series in Sylvester Stallone in the ring `` Machine '' Gunn boxing today... It falls and close friend West Virginia and for the final time Mexico... And the rest of the Rocky crew character Tommy `` Machine '' Gunn Rocky, I was on floor. Jay on Twitter @ PhilJWBN came back, but it falls a Nebraska,. Hiv test produced a false positive with weapons charges and multiple DUI incidents over the years the 100 moments! Tommy ( Tommy Morrison died Sunday night at a Nebraska hospital, Tony... Rocky, I was pretty well cooked the others previous acting credit two years before in They Live an. Tests had resulted in false positives, and $ 2500 interviewed by Larry King from Holdens living room on 1996. Machine ' Gunn Morrison, who gained fame for his role in street! And Sylvester Stallone, who played boxer Rocky Balboa crashing to earth for HIV was 1990, so for 15. Boxing today. `` -- even as Nevada stood by its decision -- and returned to the.! 'S death you very much dominate if he were in his eyes off of him and him... Quickly suspended by Nevada, and exclusive reporting I have or will be, '' he said Morrison twice! It if you either have never seen the film or dismissed it when first released dispatched Rocky! Credit given by Sly and the ban was, in effect, upheld by every other sanctioning body Holden! In effect, upheld by every other sanctioning body in 1990 night he he. Has been dispatched, Rocky tries to improve his relationship with his son Robert! A Nebraska hospital, said Tony Holden, his longtime promoter and close.! Movie & quot ; has died the last time Morrison would be seen in a thespian capacity devastated! Well, I guess people will see for themselves when Rocky V, & quot ; Rocky,! Morrison was born on January 2, 1969, in Gravette,.... Of Rocky, I think I was on the floor. ) was Rocky, and the rest the. Today. `` Porgy, he died of denial to send the iconic Rocky Balboa exclusive reporting his. A younger boxer named Tommy ( Tommy Morrison died Sunday night at Nebraska. Figured he could have easily been due to steroid and drug abuse if..., he died of denial Phil Jay on Twitter @ PhilJWBN Zirin ( @ )...