Burt Young, actor known for Rocky and Once Upon a Time in America, dead at 83

Burt Young, the American actor known for his role in the Rocky films for which he earned an Oscar nomination, has died. He was 83.

Young died in Los Angeles on 8 October, according to his daughter, who first reported his death Wednesday.

Though most well-known for his role in Rocky as Paulie, Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law and best friend, he had a prolific career, starring in over 160 projects. He also starred in films Once Upon a Time in America and Chinatown and played memorable characters in episodes of M*A*S*H, Beretta, Miami Vice, Columbo, The Sopranos and Russian Doll.

His co-star Sylvester Stallone took to Instagram Wednesday to share his reaction to Young's passing. "To my Dear Friend, BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man and artist," he wrote, "I and the World will miss you very much... RIP".

 

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Born and raised in Queens, New York, Young had several careers before becoming an actor, including a stint in the Marine Corps, professional boxing, and carpet laying. He then took up acting and studied with legendary teacher Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio.

“Burt was an actor of tremendous emotional range. He could make you cry and he could scare you to death,” Young's manager said in a statement. "But the real pathos that I experienced was the poignancy of his soul. That’s where it came from."

RIP, Gerald Tommaso DeLouise better known professionally as Burt Young.

"Once Upon A Time In America"(1984).

As Joe Minaldi in "Cock Insurance' scene.

"Life is funnier than shit. But... be easy with the girl. I mean that. Be easy with the girl." pic.twitter.com/JqmViNuTwi

— Boston Radio Watch®️ (@bostonradio) October 19, 2023