What is the name of Rocky's best friend?

Rocky’s best friend is Paulie Pennino. Paulie is Adrian’s older brother, and his long friendship with Rocky becomes an important part of the Rocky series’ Philadelphia family circle.

Paulie works at a meat-rendering plant and is portrayed as insecure, hot-tempered, and frequently frustrated by his circumstances. Despite his flaws, he cares deeply about Adrian and Rocky. He introduces Adrian to Rocky, helping begin the relationship that eventually leads to Rocky marrying Adrian and becoming Paulie’s brother-in-law.

Burt Young played Paulie in the first six Rocky films. Paulie is not Rocky’s trainer: that role belongs primarily to Mickey Goldmill in the early films, while Apollo Creed later trains Rocky. Robert is Rocky’s son, and Apollo is Rocky’s former rival who becomes a close friend.

Paulie remains connected to Rocky through major changes in both men’s lives. He supports Rocky’s career, appears around the family’s celebrations and conflicts, and later works with Rocky at Adrian’s restaurant in Rocky Balboa. His complicated personality makes him more than a simple sidekick.