Burt Young, Iconic 'Rocky' Actor, Passes Away at 83
Beloved actor Burt Young, best known for his role as Paulie Pennino in the legendary Rocky film series, has passed away at the age of 83, as confirmed by his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser on 8th October. The exact cause of his passing remains undisclosed.
Young's illustrious career spanned across remarkable performances in films like Chinatown, Once Upon A Time In America, and TV shows such as The Sopranos. However, it was his portrayal of the gruff but endearing Paulie, Sylvester Stallone's brother-in-law in the Rocky films, for which he will always be remembered.
In the original 1976 Rocky movie, Paulie's character, a bitter meat packer in Philadelphia, struck a chord with audiences due to his genuine portrayal. Young's ability to convincingly depict middle-aged characters, irrespective of his age, added depth to his roles.
The Rocky franchise achieved phenomenal success, propelling Sylvester Stallone to stardom and solidifying Burt Young's place in cinematic history.
Stallone paid tribute to his late co-star by sharing a photo from their first film together and expressing, "You were an incredible man and artist; I and the world will miss you very much." The Rocky film earned 10 Oscar nominations, with Young receiving a nod for best supporting actor. The movie triumphed in three categories, including the prestigious best picture award.
Throughout the series, Paulie's character underwent a transformation. Initially, a perpetual worrier, Paulie's skepticism about Rocky's success provided comic relief. His constant fear of Rocky's defeat, juxtaposed with his surprise at Rocky's resilience, brought laughter to audiences and made him a beloved character in the films.
In a 2020 interview with Celebrity Parents magazine, Young fondly reflected on his portrayal of Paulie: "It was a great ride, and it brought me to the audience in a great way. I made him a rough guy with sensitivity. He's really a marshmallow even though he yells a lot."
Burt Young's life began in Queens, New York, where he had diverse experiences before his acting career. He served in the Marine Corps, pursued a career as a professional boxer, and worked as a carpet layer. Later, he ventured into acting, studying under the renowned Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio.
In his later years, he turned his focus toward theater and his passion for painting. His wife of 13 years, Gloria, passed away in 1974, and he is survived by his daughter, a grandchild, and a brother. Burt Young leaves behind a legacy of memorable performances and a special place in the hearts of movie enthusiasts worldwide.