Which actor plays loan shark Tony Gazzo in Rocky?

Joe Spinell plays loan shark Tony Gazzo in Rocky.

Gazzo is a Philadelphia loan shark who employs Rocky Balboa as a collector and enforcer. Early in the film, Rocky is sent to collect money from debtors, but he repeatedly shows reluctance to hurt people who cannot pay. That conflict helps establish Rocky as a tough but fundamentally compassionate character.

Spinell’s performance gives Gazzo a threatening presence without making him the film’s central villain. Gazzo also has a surprisingly supportive side: he gives Rocky money for his date with Adrian and later offers encouragement during Rocky’s preparation for the fight with Apollo Creed.

The role is sometimes mixed up with Tony “Duke” Evers, Apollo’s trainer, who is played by Tony Burton. Pedro Lovell appears as Spider Rico, while Frank McRae plays house painter Paulie’s friend, so none of those actors portrays Gazzo. Spinell reprised the role in Rocky II.