Burt Young, a veteran character actor best known for his role as Sylvester Stallone’s meat-cutting friend in the “Rocky” films, has passed away at the age of 83, as confirmed by his manager, Lynda Bensky.
Burt Young, a distinguished character actor whose career spanned decades, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. He was best known for his portrayal of Paulie Pennino, a key character in the “Rocky” film series, a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor.
Born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise in the Queens borough of New York City, Young’s life took a unique path. He served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the 1950s and then pursued his passion for acting by studying at the renowned Lee Strasberg’s Actors Studio. This training set the stage for his successful career in film and television.
Burt Young acted as Paulie in Rocky
Throughout his acting journey, Young carved a niche for himself by often playing tough-guy and Italian-American characters. His breakthrough came with the 1976 film “Rocky,” where he portrayed Paulie, a complex character who was not only the alcoholic brother-in-law of the titular Rocky Balboa but also the brother of Rocky’s love interest, Adrian.
The original “Rocky” film, a cinematic sensation, received an impressive 10 Oscar nominations and won three awards, including the coveted Best Picture category. Burt Young’s performance as Paulie greatly contributed to the film’s success. He reprised this role in all six of the original “Rocky” sequels, solidifying his place in cinema history.
Burt Young’s talent extended beyond “Rocky.” He graced the silver screen in notable films like “Chinatown,” “The Pope of Greenwich Village,” and “Once Upon a Time in America.” Furthermore, his presence was felt in the world of television, with guest appearances on beloved series such as “MAS*H,” “The Rockford Files,” “Baretta,” and “Law & Order.”
In his later years, Burt Young embraced a new artistic endeavor as a painter. His artwork gained recognition and was exhibited in galleries worldwide, demonstrating his multifaceted talent and passion for the arts.
Young’s passing marks the end of an era in the world of entertainment, but his legacy lives on through the memorable characters he brought to life on screen and his contributions to the world of art.