(USNewsBreak.com) – Renowned actor Burt Young, famous for his roles as hard-edged characters in cinema, has died at 83. With experience taking on both leading and supporting roles, Young had a singular talent for capturing the spotlight, often without even trying. His passing marks the end of an era in Hollywood.
Young was born in Queens, New York, on April 30, 1940, as Gerald Tommaso DeLouise. A bit of a ruffian as a kid, he was kicked out of several schools before his father finally shipped him off to the military, reportedly lying about his age to enlist him in the Marines. There, he learned how to box, which he continued to do for a short time professionally. He held several odd jobs before eventually training under Lee Strasberg, who Young credited with helping him to relax.
Burt Young Dies: Academy Award Nominee For 'Rocky' At 83 https://t.co/JtRrmYudZm
— Deadline Hollywood (@DEADLINE) October 19, 2023
The actor went on to appear in several television shows, including the popular “M*A*S*H,” and movies such as “Cinderella Liberty” and “Chinatown.” Arguably, the movie that really propelled him to stardom was “Rocky,” which was written by Sylvester Stallone, who also played the title character. In this flick, Young played Paulie, Adrian’s brother and Rocky’s trainer, who helped him toughen up with slabs of meat in his butcher.
Young also played a role in many other movies, including “Last Exit to Brooklyn” and the infamous “Back to School” starring Rodney Dangerfield. All in all, his resume included more than 160 credits, including “Uncle Joe Shannon,” which he wrote and starred in. Throughout his career, Young was nominated for an Academy Award and two Razzie Awards, all for his performances in the “Rocky” franchise films. In 2014, he won the Lifetime Achievement Award at the Hoboken International Film Festival, and in 2015, he won best actor in a short drama at the Atlantic City Cinefest for “Tom in America.”
The actor is survived by his daughter, a grandchild, and his brother. His wife, Gloria, passed away in 1974; he never remarried.
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