Burt Young wasn’t just an actor—he was the heart of every role he took on, especially as Paulie Pennino in the Rocky series. He played the irritable, rough-around-the-edges brother-in-law to the Italian Stallion, but behind that gruff exterior was an actor with deep emotional range.
Young didn’t just play tough guys—he gave them soul, humor, and heart. His portrayal of Paulie went beyond comic relief, turning him into a complex character fans could relate to. But who was Burt Young beyond Rocky? Let’s take a deep dive into his career, life, and lasting legacy.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born Jerry De Louise in New York City on April 30, 1940, Burt Young didn’t start out in Hollywood. Before stepping in front of the camera, he worked a string of odd jobs—cleaning carpets, driving trucks, and even dabbling in prizefighting.
His journey took a sharp turn when he served in the U.S. Marines. After his service, he helped a friend audition for Lee Strasberg, the legendary acting coach behind stars like James Dean and Marlon Brando. Young wasn’t planning to act, but fate had other plans—he got in, and his friend didn’t.
From there, he honed his craft at the Actors Studio in New York and began landing roles in off-Broadway plays, setting the stage for his film career.
Hollywood Breakthrough: Burt Young on the Big Screen
Burt Young’s film career kicked off in 1971 with The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight. Audiences took notice, and by 1973, he starred alongside James Caan in Cinderella Liberty. The two formed a lasting friendship, working together on six films over the years.
His role in Chinatown (1974) further cemented his reputation as a gritty character actor. Playing Curly, the cuckolded husband, he shared the screen with Jack Nicholson in one of the most iconic neo-noir films of all time.
But in 1976, Burt Young landed the role that would define his career.
Burt Young as Paulie in Rocky
When Sylvester Stallone wrote Rocky, he created more than just a boxing underdog story—it was a tale of loyalty, struggle, and family. And at the center of that family was Paulie Pennino.
Paulie could have been a one-dimensional character—just the angry, jealous brother-in-law. But Young brought depth to the role, showing Paulie’s pain, his desperation, and his ultimate growth.
His performance in Rocky (1976) earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. He continued to evolve Paulie over the sequels, giving fans some of the most heartfelt moments in the series.
Paulie’s Best Rocky Scene: A Moment of Growth
By Rocky IV, Paulie wasn’t just the loudmouth complainer—he had become family. In one of the film’s most emotional moments, Paulie tells Rocky:
“If I could unzip myself and step out and be somebody else, I’d wanna be you.”
For a character who spent years criticizing and blaming others, this was a moment of raw honesty. Paulie had grown, and Burt Young’s performance made it real.
Beyond Rocky: Burt Young’s Writing and TV Work
While Rocky made him famous, Young wasn’t just an actor—he was also a writer and creator.
- He guest-starred on Baretta (1975-78) and even wrote an episode for the series.
- In 1978, he wrote and starred in Uncle Joe Shannon, a passion project about a down-and-out trumpet player.
- He acted in and co-wrote Daddy, I Don’t Like It Like This (1978), starring alongside Talia Shire.
- He later appeared in Vendetta: Secrets of a Mafia Bride (1991) and The Last Don (1997), leaning into his gangster persona.
- On TV, he had guest roles on Walker, Texas Ranger, Law & Order, and The Sopranos.
Burt Young and Sylvester Stallone: A Lifelong Bond
Behind the scenes, Burt Young and Sylvester Stallone shared more than just screen time—they had a genuine friendship.
“You’d have to be crazy not to love a guy like Sly Stallone,” Young once said.
Stallone, in turn, praised Young’s depth, talent, and intelligence, calling him a Renaissance man.
Even as Rocky evolved into the Creed era, Young’s Paulie remained a crucial part of the saga, proving that his impact on the franchise was undeniable.
Burt Young’s Passing: Cause of Death and Legacy
On October 8, 2023, Burt Young passed away at the age of 83 at Northridge Hospital Medical Center in Los Angeles. His death was the result of cardiac arrest, caused by atrial fibrillation (a-fib), a myocardial infarction (heart attack), and atherosclerosis.
Young’s passing marked the end of an era for Rocky fans and film lovers alike. His role as Paulie Pennino in the Rocky series made him a household name, but his talent extended far beyond that. A dedicated actor, writer, and painter, he left a lasting impact on Hollywood.
After news of his death broke, tributes poured in from fans and colleagues. Sylvester Stallone shared a heartfelt message on social media, calling Young a dear friend and an irreplaceable part of the Rocky family.
Though Burt Young is gone, his legacy lives on. From his unforgettable performance in Rocky to his work across film and television, he remains an inspiration to actors and fans alike. His gritty, heartfelt performances ensured he will never be forgotten.
