Who played the role of George Washington Duke in Rocky V?

Richard Gant played George Washington Duke in Rocky V. Duke is a powerful boxing promoter whose name and aggressive business style deliberately evoke real-life promoter Don King, although he is a fictional character.

In the film, Duke sees Tommy Gunn as a promising heavyweight prospect and tries to pull him away from Rocky Balboa’s guidance. Rocky has retired from boxing and is helping train Tommy, but Duke offers Tommy money, publicity, and access to bigger opportunities. His influence helps create the conflict between Rocky and his former protégé.

George Washington Duke is not a boxer or trainer like Apollo Creed, Tony “Duke” Evers, or Mickey Goldmill. The repeated word “Duke” can cause confusion, especially because Tony Burton’s character is also called Duke. They are entirely different people: Tony “Duke” Evers is Apollo Creed’s trainer, while George Washington Duke is the promoter played by Gant.

Rocky V was released in 1990 and was directed by John G. Avildsen, who also directed the original Rocky.