Burt Young, known for his tough-guy roles in Hollywood, including an Oscar-nominated performance in Rocky, passed away at the age of 83 in Los Angeles on October 8. His daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, confirmed the news to The New York Times. No cause of death has been provided.
With over 160 credits to his name, Young made notable appearances in movies like Chinatown, Once Upon a Time in America, and The Pope of Greenwich Village. His career, shaped by his Marine background and boxing experience, spanned decades in the film industry.
Born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise on April 30, 1940, in Queens, N.Y., Young adopted his stage name for acting. He started boxing during his time in the Marine Corps and later trained under the renowned manager Cus D’Amato, boasting a record of 17-1.
In 1978, Young wrote and starred in Uncle Joe Shannon, a tale of a troubled jazz trumpeter seeking redemption.
It was his role as Paulie in Rocky, however, that truly elevated his stardom. The movie received 10 Academy Award nominations and won three, including Best Picture.
Young is survived by his aforementioned daughter, a brother, Robert, and a grandson. His wife, Gloria, died in 1974.
Sylvester Stallone, his co-star in Rocky, paid tribute to Young on social media. “To my Dear Friend, Burt Young, you were an incredible man’s and artist,” Stallone posted, alongside a photo of him and Young in Rocky. “I and the World will miss you very much…RIP.”
