Veteran Actor Burt Young, Known for Rocky Paulie, Passes Away at 83

Renowned actor Burt Young, celebrated for his portrayal of Paulie in multiple Rocky films, sadly passed away in Los Angeles at 83. 

The news of his passing was confirmed by his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser to the New York Times.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Burt Young served in the Marine Corps and pursued a boxing career before venturing into the world of film. 

Throughout his acting career, he often played Italian-American characters, portraying roles such as mob bosses, street-smart detectives, and working-class individuals.

Iconic Role as Paulie in Rocky:

Burt Young’s most iconic role was that of Paulie, the friend and brother-in-law of Sylvester Stallone’s character, Rocky Balboa, in the 1976 classic “Rocky.” His remarkable performance earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

He was one of only four actors, alongside Sylvester Stallone, Stu Nahan, and Tony Burton (excluding Talia Shire), who appeared in all six films within the Rocky franchise. Sadly, Burt’s character did not return for the 2015 film “Creed,” as the storyline depicted Paulie as deceased in 2012.

Prolific Acting Career:

Burt Young’s acting career extended beyond the Rocky series, appearing in more than 160 films and television shows. 

Some of his notable film roles included “The Gambler” (1974), “Chinatown” (1974), “The Killer Elite” (1975), “Convoy” (1978), “Uncle Joe Shannon” (1978), “The Pope of Greenwich Village” (1984), “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984), “A Summer to Remember” (1985), “Back to School” (1986), “Last Exit to Brooklyn” (1990), “Mickey Blue Eyes” (1999), “Transamerica” (2005), “Win Win” (2011), and “Bottom of the 9th” (2019).

In addition to his extensive film work, he was also part of the documentary “Stallone: Frank, That Is.”

Television Appearances:

Burt Young’s talents were not limited to the big screen. He graced television with his presence, making appearances in popular shows like “The Rockford Files,” “Baretta,” “Law & Order,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “All In The Family,” “MAS*H,” “Miami Vice,” “Roomies,” and many others.

Burt Young leaves behind a rich legacy in the entertainment world, and his memorable performances will be cherished by audiences worldwide.

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