American actor Burt Young passed away on October 8 at the age of 84. The New York Times published a tribute from his daughter.
Young’s cause of death was not disclosed in the material.
To his dear friend Bert Young, Sylvester Stallone wrote on Instagram that he was a great man and artist and that the world would miss him. He shared a photo from the Rocky set where they worked together.
Marine and Carpet Layer
Young was born on April 30, 1940, in Queens, New York. Before acting, he served in the Marine Corps, pursued boxing professionally, and worked as a carpet fitter.
At age 20, Young studied with acting coach Lee Strasberg. Strasberg’s clients included Al Pacino, Marilyn Monroe, Robert De Niro, Marlon Brando, and Mickey Rourke.
“Before I try to stand upright on stage”, Young recalled, “Lee’s greatest gift to me was relaxation.” Strasberg called Young a library of emotions.
Burt Young appeared in more than 160 film and television roles. He often portrayed mob bosses, private detectives, or ordinary workers, appearing in Chinatown (1974), Once Upon a Time in America (1983) directed by Sergio Leone, and the television series The Sopranos (1999–2007).
The New York Times obituary noted Young’s bulldog build and expressive face, saying he gave his characters depth and nuance.
Rocky – Young’s Finest Hour
Young gained wide recognition for his work in John Avildsen’s drama Rocky, where he played Paulie Pennino, the sisterly figure to Rocky’s close association with Adrian. In an interview with The Rumpus, Young recalled his first meeting with Stallone. Stallone introduced himself and asked Young to join the film, and Young agreed, recognizing the opportunity to be part of something special.
The first Rocky film earned ten Oscar nominations and won three awards, including Best Picture.
In a 2006 interview with Bright Lights Film Journal, Young reflected that Rocky was not a simple duel story but a love story about resilience. He noted that he did not personally win the competition, he survived the experience. He was nominated for Best Supporting Actor for his role as Paulie Pennino.
Young described Paulie as a conflicted character: tough on the outside, vulnerable beneath the surface. He also pursued theater work, wrote screenplays, and explored painting, with several of his paintings showcased in galleries and auctions.
Beyond his career, Young is survived by his daughter, his brother Robert, and a grandson. His wife Gloria passed away in 1974. The world remembers him for his gritty portrayals and his artistic spirit, which extended beyond acting into painting and writing.
Citations: The New York Times obituary provides details on Young’s career and persona, while interviews and archived pieces shed light on his experience in Rocky and his broader artistic interests.