Veteran character actor Burt Young, best known for his role as Paulie in the “Rocky” franchise, has passed away at the age of 83. Young died on October 8th in Los Angeles, according to his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser. The cause of death has not been disclosed. Young had an impressive career, appearing in renowned films and television shows such as "Chinatown," "Once Upon a Time in America," and "The Sopranos." However, he will forever be remembered for his portrayal of the rough and gruff Paulie Pennino.

In the first “Rocky” film released in 1976, Young's character, Paulie, was depicted as an angry and foul-mouthed meat packer who mistreated his sister, Adrian. The film was a sensation, topping the box office and catapulting lead actor and writer Sylvester Stallone to fame. Young's performance in the film earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Although he lost the award to Jason Robards, Young's portrayal of Paulie endeared him to audiences and solidified his place in cinematic history.

As the “Rocky” franchise continued, Young's character evolved. Paulie transformed from an abrasive and pessimistic individual to a comic relief character. In the fourth installment, "Rocky IV," Paulie even reprograms a robot gifted by Rocky to become his personal servant. Young's ability to bring humor to the role endeared him to fans and showcased his versatility as an actor.

Born and raised in Queens, New York, Young's journey to acting was anything but conventional. He served in the Marine Corps, fought as a professional boxer, and worked as a carpet layer before pursuing a career in acting. He studied under esteemed teacher Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio, honing his craft. Throughout his career, Young often portrayed small-time tough guys and working-class men, bringing authenticity and depth to his roles.

In addition to his work in film, Young made memorable guest appearances on various television series, including "M*A*S*H," "Miami Vice," and "The Equalizer." One of his most notable television roles was in the third season of "The Sopranos," where he portrayed an elderly mafioso battling lung cancer. Young's performance was both poignant and impactful, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.

Later in life, Young turned his attention to his passion for painting. He held gallery shows and sold his artwork around the world. Despite his success in the art world, Young's legacy will always be intertwined with his portrayal of Paulie in the “Rocky” franchise.

Burt Young is survived by his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, as well as one grandchild and a brother, Robert. His wife of 13 years, Gloria, passed away in 1974. Fellow actor and “Rocky” star Sylvester Stallone paid tribute to Young on Instagram, expressing his sorrow at the loss of an incredible man and artist. The world will undoubtedly miss Burt Young and his contributions to the entertainment industry.