Burt Young Has Died
Actor Burt Young, known for his role as Paulie Pennino in the renowned “Rocky” film series, has passed away at the age of 83. The news of his death was confirmed by his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, and reported by several media sources.
Burt Young received an Oscar nomination for his performance in “Rocky” and became a cinema icon thanks to his character Paulie, Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law. His portrayal was crucial to the success of the “Rocky” saga, creating an unforgettable character.
The cause and place of his death were not initially disclosed. The news of Burt Young’s passing has brought sadness among movie fans and the actor’s admirers, as he left an indelible mark on cinema history.
Born to Italian-American parents, Giuseppina and Michele, Young was born in Queens, New York, with the name Gerald Tommaso De Louise (often shortened to Jerry De Louise). He studied acting at the Actors Studio under the legendary Lee Strasberg.
His stage name is composed of his favorite actor and singer, Burt from Burt Lancaster and Young from Neil Young. In his film career, he stood out for his portrayal of working-class Italian-American characters, often with gruff and edgy personalities: the most notable example being Paulie Pennino, Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Young is one of the few actors to appear in all the films of the “Rocky” series, alongside Sylvester Stallone and Tony Burton. In 2013, he appeared in the Italian film “See You Tomorrow” with Enrico Brignano.
In addition to his film career, he appeared in several television series, including “Law & Order,” “Walker, Texas Ranger,” “MAS*H,” “Miami Vice,” and “The Sopranos.”
Although widely known as an actor, Young was also a talented painter, screenwriter, and writer. As an artist, he collaborated with writer Gabriele Tinti, for whom he designed the cover of the poetry collection “All Over” and illustrated the art book “A Man.”
Burt Young has died, leaving a significant void in the world of cinema.
