Burt Young, Rocky Balboa’s Best Friend Paulie Pennino, Dies at 83

Burt Young, the actor best known for playing Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law and best friend Paulie Pennino in the Rocky film series, died on October 8, 2023, at the age of 83.

Young’s death was confirmed by his family. No cause of death was given.

Young was born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise on April 30, 1940, in Queens, New York. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959. After his discharge from the Marines, Young began his acting career.

He appeared in a number of small roles in television shows and films in the early 1970s. In 1976, he was cast as Paulie Pennino in the film Rocky.

Rocky was a critical and commercial success, and Young’s performance was widely praised. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his work in the film.

Young reprised his role as Paulie Pennino in all of the Rocky sequels, except for Creed (2015). He also appeared in a number of other films, including Chinatown (1974), Once Upon a Time in America (1984), and Mickey Blue Eyes (1999).

Young was also a painter and author. He published a book of paintings in 1980 and a novel in 2012.

Young was a complex and fascinating figure. He was known for his tough exterior and his outspoken personality. However, he was also a kind and compassionate person who was deeply devoted to his family and friends.

Young’s death is a loss to the film industry and to his many fans. He will be remembered for his iconic performance as Paulie Pennino and for his many other contributions to the arts.