Burt Young, known for his iconic role as Paulie in the Rocky film series, has passed away at the age of 83. He died on October 8 in Los Angeles, according to his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser. Young had a long and successful career in Hollywood, often portraying tough-guy characters onscreen.
Young’s filmography includes notable roles such as a rotten client in Chinatown (1974), mobster “Bed Bug” Eddie in The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984), and Rodney Dangerfield’s protector/chauffeur Lou in Back to School (1986). He also collaborated with fellow Queens native James Caan in four consecutive movies from 1973 to 1976, and they worked together again in 1999’s Mickey Blue Eyes. Additionally, Young appeared in Sam Peckinpah’s The Killer Elite (1975) as a getaway driver and later played a renegade trucker in Convoy (1978).
However, Young’s most memorable role is that of Paulie Pennino, the sullen ex-Navy man and older brother of Rocky Balboa’s wife Adrian. Starting with the original Rocky film in 1976, Young’s character became a staple of the franchise and appeared in all six films, including Rocky Balboa in 2006. Young’s performance earned him a supporting actor Oscar nomination for the first Rocky film.
In an interview, Young recounted how Sylvester Stallone approached him on the MGM lot and convinced him to be a part of Rocky. Young was immediately impressed with the script and Stallone’s vision for the film. He praised Stallone’s work ethic and ability to stay ahead of the curve in the industry.
Related Post
Young also ventured into writing and starred in the heart-wrenching film Uncle Joe Shannon (1978), which was produced by Rocky Oscar winners Robert Chartoff and Irwin Winkler.
Born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise in Queens on April 30, 1940, Young had a colorful upbringing. He joined the U.S. Marines with his father’s help before he turned 16 and went on to box in the service, winning 32 out of 34 fights during his two-year stint. After leaving the Marines, Young trained with Cus D’Amato, who later became Mike Tyson’s trainer, and claimed to have an unbeaten record as a professional boxer.
Young’s interest in acting began while working various jobs, including carpet cleaning and sales. He studied at the Actors Studio with Lee Strasberg, who became his mentor. His first acting gig came at the age of 28 in a play, and he went on to star in crime-centered films such as The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight (1971) and Across 110th Street (1972).
Throughout his career, Young appeared in movies like Amityville II: The Possession (1982), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), and Transamerica (2005). He also had television roles on shows like Roomies, The Sopranos, and Murder Can Hurt You!.
In addition to his acting career, Young was passionate about painting. He discovered his talent at a young age and continued to paint throughout his life. His artwork showcased a whimsical touch and a flair for color. Young saw painting as a way to support himself outside of acting and writing, as there was no censorship in the art form.
Burt Young is survived by his daughter, brother, and grandson. His wife, Gloria, passed away in 1974. Young’s legacy in the film industry as both an actor and a painter will be remembered and celebrated by fans and colleagues alike. His portrayal of Paulie will forever hold a special place in the hearts of Rocky fans around the world.
