Actor Burt Young, best known for his role as Paulie in the “Rocky” movie franchise, has died at age 83.
Young died in Los Angeles on October 8, reports TMZ. A cause of death is not known at this time.
Along with his role as the titular character’s brother-in-law in the series of boxing films, which earned him an Oscar nomination in 1977, Young also appeared in movies like “Once Upon a Time in America,” “Back to School,” and “Chinatown,” as well as television shows like “The Sopranos,” “Baretta” and M*A*S*H.”
Young brought his background as a Marine and professional boxer to his roles, often playing characters who operated in the rougher parts of society, but his no-nonsense approach was made complex by a “library of emotions,” shared famed acting teacher Lee Strasberg.
The New York Times reports that Young came to be under Strasberg’s tutelage for two years because of an infatuation with a woman who dreamed of studying under the acting coach. “I didn’t know who Lee Strasberg was. I thought it was a girl,” he shared with Bright Lights.
Young is survived by his daughter, Anne, his brother, Robert, and a grandson.