Burt Young
Burt Young, who played Paulie Pennino in the "Rocky" films, has died at the age of 83. He was a legendary character actor. On Wednesday, his manager Lynda Bensky announced the tragic news. Anne Morea Steingieser, Young's daughter, reportedly told the New York Times on October 8 that her father had died in Los Angeles.
Burt Young had a career in show business as unique as the roles he played, and he was born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise in the New York City borough of Queens. Young served in the United States Marine Corps in the 1950s and went on to refine his acting chops at Lee Strasberg's Actors Studio before making it big in Hollywood.
Young became well-known for his portrayals of strong guys and Italian Americans on screen. But it was his role as Paulie Pennino in the 1976 classic "Rocky" that really cemented his place in Hollywood lore. Young portrayed Paulie, the drunken butcher and Rocky Balboa's best buddy, in the 1976 picture Rocky. Stallone played the title role. Scenes of Paulie and his brother-in-law Rocky hitting slabs of beef in a storage locker will forever be remembered by viewers.
The role of Paulie Pennino in "Rocky" was so pivotal to Young that he was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The first "Rocky" film, which won the hearts of viewers everywhere, was nominated for a record-breaking 10 Academy Awards. It went on to win three, including the prize for Best Picture. The movie told the story of a club fighter from Philadelphia who went from being an underdog to a world heavyweight champion.
Talented and charismatic, Young played Paulie Pennino in all six of the original "Rocky" sequels, cementing his place in film history. His likability as an actor was shown by his work in these films, which also highlighted his incredible range.
Burt Young's career is full of classics beyond just "Rocky," with roles in movies like "Chinatown," "The Pope of Greenwich Village," and "Once Upon a Time in America." He has appeared in many episodes of well-known TV shows, including "MAS*H," "The Rockford Files," "Baretta," and "Law & Order."
Later in his life, Young shifted his focus to painting and became a well-known painter in his own right. His works were shown in museums and galleries all over the world, attesting to his creative skill and versatility.
The impact of Burt Young's work in entertainment, both on and off screen, is permanent. His death is a huge blow to the entertainment business and his legions of followers, but his groundbreaking work will live on to inspire future generations. Burt Young's contributions to the film industry will forever be remembered and honored.