Burt Young was an American actor who is best known for his roles in Rocky, Chinatown, and Once Upon a Time in America. He was known for portraying tough characters and had a long career in film and television.
Personal and Family Life
Burt Young was born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise on April 30, 1940, in Queens, New York City. He was of Italian descent and grew up in a family where his mother, Josephine Tarulli, was a homemaker and his father, Michael Morea, was a high school shop teacher. Young was married to Gloria from 1961 until her death in 1974, and they had two children together.
Career Highlights
Young trained at the Actors Studio under the famous coach Lee Strasberg. He gained recognition for playing tough guys in films starting in the early 1970s. His role as Paulie in Rocky (1976) solidified his status in Hollywood, leading to appearances in all five sequels. He also worked with acclaimed directors like Sam Peckinpah and featured in various notable films throughout his career.
Death and Legacy
Burt Young passed away on October 8, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. He is remembered for his iconic portrayal of Paulie in the Rocky series and his unique ability to play both intimidating and sympathetic characters. His contributions to film have left a lasting impact on the industry.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Once Upon a Time in America | 1984-05-23 | Joe |
| Transamerica | 2005-02-14 | Murray Schupak |
| Chinatown | 1974-06-20 | Curly |
| Rocky IV | 1985-11-21 | Paulie Pennino |
| Rocky Balboa | 2006-12-20 | Paulie Pennino |
| Rocky | 1976-11-20 | Paulie Pennino |
| Rocky II | 1979-06-15 | Paulie Pennino |
| Rocky V | 1990-11-16 | Paulie Pennino |
| Rocky III | 1982-05-28 | Paulie Pennino |
| The Killer Elite | 1975-12-19 | Mac |
| Convoy | 1978-06-27 | Pig Pen |
| The Pope of Greenwich Village | 1984-06-22 | Bed Bug Eddie |
| The Sopranos | 1999-01-10 | Bobby Baccalieri, Sr. |
| MASH | 1972-09-17 | Lt. Willis |