Academy Award nominee andRockystarBurt Younghas sadly passed away at the age of 83. The actor, who is best recognized as the endearingly cranky Paulie Pennino in theRockyfranchise, died in Los Angeles on June 07, 2025, his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser has confirmed withThe New York Times. In a career spanning across decades, Young was best known for playing complex, often sensitive tough guys, with his most famous role being that of Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law and best friend Paulie Pennino in theRockyfilm series.
Young received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in the firstRockyback in 1976, and reprized the role inRocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V,and finallyRocky Balboain 2006. The character does not appear in the more recentCreedfilm series, with the plot revealing that Paulie passed away in 2012.
As well as theRockyfilms, Young is known for starring in several cinematic classics,including the likes ofChinatown(1974),The Gambler(1974),The Killer Elite(1975),Convoy(1978),Uncle Joe Shannon(1978),Once Upon a Time in America(1984),The Pope of Greenwich Village(1984),A Summer to Remember(1985), andWin Win(2011).
Young collaborated several times with renowned filmmaker Sam Peckinpah, with the actor’s daughter describing the pair as “mavericks and outlaws” when speaking with The New York Times.
“Both were mavericks and outlaws, with a deep respect for art. They understood each other because of the intensity and honesty Peckinpah demanded. He had no tolerance for lack of authenticity.”
Young was also a writer, penning the scripts for 1978 dramasDaddy, I Don’t Like It Like ThisandUncle Joe Shannon, the latter of which follows a self-destructive trumpet player.
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Sylvester Stallone Pays Tribute to Burt Young
Burt Young’sRockyco-star and friendSylvester Stallonehas since taken to social media to pay tribute to the actor, describing him as an “incredible man” and an “artist.”
“To my Dear Friend, BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man’s and artist, I and the World will miss you very much…RIP.”
AnotherRockystaple, Carl Weathers, has also taken to social media to pay his respects to Young, calling him a “beautiful and talented soul.”
“RIP, Burt Young! A beautiful and talented soul. He was such an integral part of the Rocky family. “You want the bird? Go get the bird.” Paulie will be with us forever!”
Young has discussed his role in theRockyfranchise in the past. When speaking withThe Rumpusback in 2017, he was asked whether he was cast in the movie due to his experience as a boxer.
“No. I was a butcher in the movie. It was the producers. I was the only actor that didn’t audition in the first Rocky. And I got the most money for it. I had already worked for [Robert] Chartoff for several movies already. My agent was trying to get a couple of dollars from them. And [Stallone] comes up to me at MGM. I’m having a meeting with somebody. He kneels down next to me. He says, “Mr. Young, I’m Sylvester Stallone. I wrote Rocky.” I said, Fucking congratulations. You did a great job. “But you’ve got to do it, please. You gotta.” I’m going to do it. He’s trying to twist my arm.”
Burt Young is survived by his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, his brother, Robert, and a grandson.
