Burt Young: Oscar-nominated Rocky actor dies aged 83
Young received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor in 1977 for his portrayal of the friend and future brother-in-law of boxer Rocky, a character played by Sylvester Stallone. Stallone paid a heartfelt tribute to Young on social media, describing him as an "incredible man and artist" and expressing that he, as well as the world, will deeply miss him.
Born as Gerald Tommaso DeLouise in Queens, New York, Young, of Italian-American heritage, served in the US Marine Corps during the 1950s. He later pursued acting and established a successful career, often portraying tough characters in both television shows and films.
Variety's Carmel Dagan noted Young's remarkable productivity and characterized him as a character actor who possessed the unique ability to infuse even thuggish or menacing roles with a depth of personality and sympathy beyond what the characters typically merited.
Young initially appeared in the inaugural Rocky film in 1976 as a friend of Sylvester Stallone's character. Subsequently, he became Rocky's brother-in-law in Rocky II when the fighter married his sister. Young portrayed the character of Paulie in all six original Rocky films, although he did not reprise this role in the 2015 spin-off film, Creed.
Rocky stands out as his most renowned work, achieving significant success at the box office and garnering 10 Oscar nominations, ultimately earning three Academy Awards, including the prestigious Best Picture category. Additionally, Young made appearances in notable films like Once Upon a Time in America, Last Exit to Brooklyn, and Mickey Blue Eyes.
In the realm of television, he featured in series such as The Sopranos, Law & Order, The Rockford Files, and MAS*H. Following his acting career, Young transitioned to a career as a painter, and his artwork was exhibited in galleries worldwide.
His manager confirmed his passing on a Wednesday.
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