Burt Young, a cinematic tough guy who was nominated for an Oscar for his work in “Rocky,” passed away in Los Angeles on October 8. The circumstances surrounding his death at age 83 are unknown. His daughter confirmed his death to the Media.
Young played Paulie, a meat supplier and the brother of Adrian, portrayed by Talia Shire, who changed from a shy loner into Rocky’s companion by the film’s conclusion. He also showed Rocky his unconventional heavy bag—slabs of hanging beef—which he used to punch.
Reports show the film “Rocky” was nominated for ten Oscars. Best Picture was one of three Oscars it took home. Best Supporting Actor went to Young.
Sylvester Stallone, the main character of the Rocky franchise, recently spoke about his friend, stating that Young was an incredible man and an artist who he and the world will miss.
According to an entertainment report, Actor Burt Young was born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise on the 30th of April 1940. He took up boxing while serving in the Marines and learned the ropes from boxing icon Cus D’Amato. His record was 17-1.
Later, he arranged a meeting between the famous acting instructor Lee Strasberg and a lady who requested to meet him at a pub. Young got motivated into acting and spent two years under Strasberg’s tutelage.
A former professional boxer and an ex-Marine, Young transformed a bulldog appearance into a long Hollywood career.
The Pope of Greenwich Village, Chinatown, and Once Upon a Time in America were just a few of Young’s over 160 film and television credits.
His film roles included The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight (1971), Back to School (1986), Cinderella Liberty (1973), and Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989). He also appeared on the television show M*A*S*H.
Uncle Joe Shannon (1978), a movie about a jazz trumpeter whose life falls apart and then finds forgiveness, was written and starred in by him as well.
Young is survived by his daughter Morea, his grandchild, and his brother Robert. Gloria, his wife, passed away in 1974.
