Burt Young, renowned for his iconic portrayal of Paulie, Rocky Balboa's cantankerous brother-in-law in the celebrated "Rocky" film series, has sadly passed away at the age of 83. The news of his passing, although not revealing the exact cause, was announced by his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser.
Born in April 1940 as Gerald Tommaso DeLouise, Burt Young's life journey encompassed a wide array of experiences. At the age of 15, he served his country as a Marine and subsequently became a part of the US Army from 1957 to 1959. During his military service, he showcased his boxing prowess and had the privilege of training under the legendary Cus D'Amato. Young's boxing career marked an impressive start, with 32 wins out of 34 matches during his amateur days. When he turned professional, he maintained an impeccable record, securing victory in all 17 of his professional fights.
Despite his remarkable career, Burt Young's contributions extended far beyond his memorable role in the "Rocky" franchise. His filmography boasts an impressive list of over 160 film and television credits. On television, he made notable appearances in popular shows like "MASH," "Little House on the Prairie," "Serpico," "Baretta," among many others. Following the success of "Rocky," he continued to shine in series such as "Tales From the Crypt," "Columbo," "The Outer Limits," "Walker, Texas Ranger," "The Sopranos," and the Netflix hit, "Russian Doll."
His cinematic endeavors included roles in films like "Chinatown" (1974), "The Gambler" (1974), "Convoy" (1978), "Once Upon a Time in America" (1984), among others. However, it was in 1976 that Burt Young truly catapulted to stardom with the film "Rocky."
In Sylvester Stallone's iconic film, he breathed life into the character of Paulie, a gruff and opinionated butcher, and the brother of Adrian (Talia Shire). Paulie, though initially apprehensive of his sister's relationship with Rocky, recognized the potential of the "Italian Stallion" and allowed him to train with hanging meat carcasses, a memorable and vital part of Rocky's journey.
"Rocky" earned an astounding 10 Academy Award nominations, including a nod for Burt Young in the Best Supporting Actor category. The film, under the direction of John G. Avildsen, secured three Oscars, including the coveted Best Picture award.
Burt Young remained an enduring presence in the "Rocky" saga, appearing alongside Sylvester Stallone and Tony Burton, who portrayed Tony Duke, in all of Balboa's iconic films.
Beyond the camera's lens, Burt pursued his passion for painting, with his artwork exhibited in galleries around the world. Additionally, he delved into writing, creating scripts for films and plays, all while also penning a historical novel titled "Endings." Burt Young's legacy is not only marked by his extraordinary contributions to the world of film but also by his multifaceted talents and his indelible impact on the arts.
