Few film franchises have had such an impact on generations of viewers Rocky. And for most of this franchise, Paulie, the grumpy brother of Rocky’s greatest love Adrian, was the man at underdog boxer Rocky Balboa’s side. The man who made Paulie lovable, despite all his endless flaws and problems, was actor Burt Young, who has built an entire career portraying these types of complicated, flawed, but undeniably likable men in decades of film and television appearances.
Sadly, Young passed away on October 8th. His death was confirmed by his daughter The New York Times. Young was 83 years old.
Young was hired Rocky by star/author Sylvester Stallone; At least as Young told it, Stallone met him in a studio commissary when…
He kneels down next to me. He says, “Mr. Young, I’m Sylvester Stallone. I wrote Rocky… You have to do it, please. He tries to twist my arm.
Young was nominated for an Oscar for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the original Rocky, and he returned to play Paulie in all five subsequent sequels. (His last appearance as this character was in 2006 Rocky Balboa.)
In a post on his Instagram account, Stallone wrote: “To my dear friend BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man and artist, I and the world will miss you dearly…RIP.”
READ MORE: Every Rocky And Believe Film rated
Young’s career was much more than Rocky; He appeared in well over 100 films and shows throughout his life. Young was born in 1940 and grew up in New York. He even boxed a bit in his twenties before becoming an actor after studying with Lee Strasberg. His other notable roles included: Across 110th Street, Chinatown…All miracles, Once Upon a Time in America, Back to schoolAnd Mickey blue eyes. He has made dozens of appearances on television, including roles in law and order, MASH, Baretta, MiamiViceAnd Stories from the Crypt.
Young had an impressive career – and in Paulie, a role and performance that will live on forever.
The best Oscar winners for the best film of all time
More than 90 films have won Best Picture at the Academy Awards. These are the best of the best.
Source : screencrush.com