Burt Young appeared as Paulie in all movies all the way up to the 2006 reboot in Rocky Balboa (which would be considered Rocky VI if you’re keeping count). This movie takes place 16 years after Rocky V and lots has changed. Adrian has died from cancer four years prior, Rocky Jr. is all grown up and Rocky is getting back in the ring. As for Paulie, he’s back at work at his meatpacking job and is still Rocky’s cornerman when he fights. You would expect for Paulie to show up in Creed, but alas, he doesn’t. There is one scene in the movie when Rocky visits Adrian’s grave. Right next to it is Paulie’s grave with his death dated at February 2012. No one mentions how he died, but considering his alcoholism and age, I am going to guess it had to do something with that — but that is neither here nor there. Perhaps it was just his time to move on from the story and that is how it was written in the script. But I’m not buying that!! PAULIE’S NOT DEAD…BURT SAID SO HIMSELF!!