Burt Young – known for his role as Paulie Pennino in the Rocky franchise – passed away earlier this month at the age of 83 on October 8 in Los Angeles.
The Oscar-nominated star’s death was confirmed to the New York Times by his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser. However, the exact reason for his death is not yet known.
Young had a long and successful career in Hollywood, appearing in over 160 film and television projects. Before Burt appeared in front of the camera, he served, among other things, in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959.
One of his first roles came in 1969 when he starred in the television series The Doctors, where he played an uncredited role of a bartender, according to Burt’s official IMDB page.
He is also known for his work on films such as Chinatown (1974) – starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway – and Once Upon A Time In America (1984).
Sad loss: Burt Young – known for his role as Paulie Pennino in the Rocky franchise – passed away earlier this month on October 8 in Los Angeles at the age of 83; seen in LA in 2019
Confirmation: The Oscar-nominated star’s death was confirmed by his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser to The New York Times; Seen on the set of Rocky V with Sylvester Stallone
Long-Lasting Career: Young had a long and successful career in Hollywood, appearing in over 160 film and television projects
Sylvester Stallone, Young’s “Rocky” co-star, jumped on his main Instagram page to share a heartfelt tribute upon hearing the news of his death.
Alongside uploading throwback pictures of himself and Burt on the set of the classic film, the Rambo star wrote: “To my dear friend, BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man and artist, I and the world will miss you very much.” ..REST IN PEACE.’
Other social media expressed their condolences in the comments section of the post. One fan typed: “Rest in peace Burt Young… He was a great man this is so sad…” while another wrote: “Rest in peace.” Paulie ❤️.”
Burt – real name Gerald Tommaso DeLouise – was born on April 30, 1940 and grew up in Queens, New York.
During his time in the Marine Corps, he primarily took up boxing and later, per Deadline, had the opportunity to train under manager and boxing trainer Cus D’Amato.
His first known role was in the 1970 film Carnival Of Blood, in which he essayed the character of Gimpy.
Burt later starred in various projects, but became famous when he played the role of Paulie, the brother of Adrian (played by Talia Shire), in six of the Rocky films.
For his performance in Rocky (1976), Young received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. The award ultimately went to Jason Robards for his role in “All The President’s Men.”
Tribute: Young’s “Rocky” co-star Sylvester Stallone jumped to his main Instagram page to share a heartfelt tribute upon hearing the news of his death
Condolences: Other social media expressed their condolences in the comments section of the post, with one fan typing: “Rest in peace Burt Young…He was a great man this is so sad…”
When Burt spoke to Theater Mania in 2017 to promote his role in the stage production of The Last Vig, he talked about landing his iconic role in the Rocky franchise.
“Sylvester is coming to me. He introduces himself. “You have to do this part.” “I said, ‘I’ll do it,’ and it lit up like a pumpkin,” he recalled.
The actor continued: “We’ve been very close ever since.” He’s a friendly guy, Sylvester. “Very intelligent, very fast.”
Referring to still working after decades in the industry, he humorously commented on his age, “I just need to look in the mirror.” My name is Young, Burt Young. I am forever young.’