Burt Young, the Oscar-nominated actor who played Paulie Pennino, Sylvester Stallone's tough friend and brother-in-law in the franchise, in six 'Rocky' films, has died at the age of 83 in Los Angeles (California). The actor's daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, indicated that the death occurred on October 8 and did not detail the causes.
In addition to film, Young had roles in series such as 'The Sopranos'. But he was always known for the role of Paulie Pennino. Stallone paid tribute to Young from his Instagram account. Alongside a photo of the two on the set of the first 'Rocky' movie, Stallone wrote: "You were an incredible man and artist, you will be greatly missed by the world and I."
'Rocky' was nominated for 10 Oscars, including best supporting actor for Young. It won three, including best film. As the saga progressed, Young's Paulie softened his character. "I turned him into a tough guy with sensitivity," the actor, born and raised in Queens, New York, said in an interview in 2020.
Young served in the Marine Corps, fought as a professional boxer and worked in a carpet store before turning to acting, studying with legendary teacher Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio. On stage, in movies and on television, he routinely played small-time tough guys or down-on-his-luck lower-class workers.
In his later years he focused on roles in theater and painting, holding exhibitions and sales in galleries. His wife Gloria died in 1974 after 13 years of marriage. Together they had a daughter.
