Burt Young, ‘Rocky’ Actor Who Played Complex Tough Guys, Dies at 83
Burt Young, the actor who played Paulie Pennino, the tough-talking but caring brother-in-law of Rocky Balboa in the Rocky franchise, died on October 8, 2023, at the age of 83.
Young's death is a loss to the film world. He was a talented actor who brought a unique intensity and authenticity to his roles. He will be remembered for his many memorable performances, but especially for his iconic role as Paulie Pennino.
Young was born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise in Queens, New York, in 1940. He grew up in a tough neighborhood, and he learned to box at a young age. He turned professional in 1958, and he compiled a record of 20-7 with 15 knockouts.
After retiring from boxing, Young decided to pursue a career in acting. He made his film debut in 1970's Chinatown, and he went on to appear in such films as The Godfather, Convoy, Back to School, Once Upon a Time in America, and Amityville II: The Possession.
But it was his role as Paulie in the Rocky films that made Young a household name. He appeared in all six films, and his character was a fan favorite. Paulie was a complex and often contradictory character: he was tough and abrasive, but he also loved and cared deeply for his family and friends.
Young's performance as Paulie in the first Rocky film earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor – Motion Picture.
In addition to his acting career, Young was also a painter and a writer. He wrote two books, including Burt Young: An Actor's Life and American Cowboy: The Life and Times of Gene Autry.
Young was a passionate and outspoken advocate for veterans. He served in the United States Marine Corps, and he was involved in a number of veterans organizations.
Young's death is a loss to the film world and to the veteran community. He was a talented actor and a dedicated advocate for others. He will be remembered for his many contributions to both.
A Closer Look at Burt Young's Career
Burt Young was one of the most versatile actors of his generation. He was able to play a wide range of characters, from tough guys to comedic roles. He was also a gifted painter and writer.Young's early career was marked by a series of supporting roles in high-profile films. He made his film debut in 1970's Chinatown, in which he played a gangster. He went on to appear in such films as The Godfather, Convoy, and Back to School.
In 1976, Young landed his breakout role as Paulie Pennino in the first Rocky film. Paulie was a complex and often contradictory character: he was tough and abrasive, but he also loved and cared deeply for his family and friends. Young's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Young reprised his role as Paulie in all five subsequent Rocky films. He also appeared in a number of other films, including Once Upon a Time in America, Amityville II: The Possession, and The Pope of Greenwich Village.
In addition to his acting career, Young was also a painter and a writer. He wrote two books, including Burt Young: An Actor's Life and American Cowboy: The Life and Times of Gene Autry.
Young was a passionate and outspoken advocate for veterans. He served in the United States Marine Corps, and he was involved in a number of veterans organizations.
Young's Legacy
Burt Young was a talented actor and a dedicated advocate for others. He will be remembered for his many contributions to both.Young's most iconic role is undoubtedly Paulie Pennino in the Rocky franchise. Paulie was a complex and often contradictory character, but he was always loyal to his friends and family. Young's performance brought Paulie to life in a way that few actors could have done.
Young's other notable roles include:Virgil Sollozzo in The Godfather
- Crazy Otto in Convoy
- Dean Martin in Back to School
- Noodles' older brother in Once Upon a Time in America
- Anthony Montelli in Amityville II: The Possession
- Charlie Boyle in The Pope of Greenwich Village
In addition to his acting career, Young was also a painter and a writer. He wrote two books, including Burt Young: An Actor's Life and American Cowboy: The Life and Times of Gene Autry.
Young was a passionate and outspoken advocate for veterans. He served in the United States Marine Corps, and he was involved in a number of veterans organizations.
Burt Young was a talented actor
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