Burt Young, renowned for portraying tough characters in Hollywood after a career in boxing, passed away earlier this month at the age of 83, as confirmed by his manager.
Young’s manager, Lynda Bensky, praised his acting prowess, stating, “Burt was an actor of tremendous emotional range. He could make you cry and he could scare you to death. But the real pathos that I experienced was the poignancy of his soul. That’s where it came from.”
According to reports, Young’s daughter Anne Morea Steingieser initially shared news of his death with the New York Times.
Young gained fame primarily for his role as Paulie, Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law in the “Rocky” film series, earning him an Academy Award nomination for best supporting actor. Sylvester Stallone, who starred alongside Young in the films, paid tribute to him, describing him as “an incredible man and artist.”
Born in Queens, New York, Young grew up in Corona and joined the Marines at 16 with the help of his father. His boxing career began during his service and continued briefly as a professional under Cus D’Amato’s guidance.
Transitioning to acting in his twenties, Young’s career blossomed with roles in television series such as “MAS*H” and “Little House on the Prairie,” as well as iconic films like “Chinatown” and “Serpico.”
Young’s pivotal role in “Rocky” catapulted his career, establishing him as a versatile actor capable of portraying complex characters. His career spanned diverse roles, from theater productions like “Cuba and His Teddy Bear” to television appearances in “The Sopranos,” “Kevin Can Wait,” and “Russian Doll.”
At the time of his passing, Young was actively involved in several ongoing projects, reflecting his enduring dedication to his craft and contributions to the entertainment industry.
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