By Mark Gray
3:15pm PDT, Oct 25, 2023
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Burt Young — the former real-life boxer who went on to play Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law Paulie in the "Rocky" franchise — passed away in Los Angeles on Oct. 8, his daughter told The New York Times, noting that his cause of death is currently unknown. He was 83. Burt, a former Marine, launched his acting career in the late '60s. He went on to appear in "M*A*S*H," "Little House on the Prairie," "Chinatown" and "Serpico." But it was his role in "Rocky" — for which he scored an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor — that made him a star.
Following his death, many top names in Hollywood publicly paid tribute to the late actor.
Keep reading to see how Sylvester Stallone, Tony Danza, James Woods and more stars said goodbye…
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"To my Dear Friend, BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man's and artist, I and the World will miss you very much…RIP." —Sylvester Stallone
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"Terrible loss. My dear friend Burt Young. One of the greats. We'll miss you." —Tony Danza
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"Rest In Peace Burt Young. What a great actor and a sweetheart of a man. My deepest condolences to his family." —Maureen McCormick
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"Burt Young was a unique and authentic actor. When he played a role, you couldn't imagine anyone else. We did 'Once Upon a Time in America' and a little independent called 'Kicked in the Head' together. RIP, my friend." –James Woods
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"Burt Young RIP, I was blessed to have worked with him. Truly an honor." —Johnathon Schaech
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"So Sad To Hear. Got To Work And Hang With Burt Years Ago. He Even Taught Me The Sledgehammer Workout, And Then Gave Me His Sledgehammer As A Gift. Such A Sweet Gentle Man. Missing His Presence Already." —Andrew Dice Clay
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"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! #BePeace" —Carl Weathers
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"It is with great sadness I share the news of actor, Burt Young passing. He was 83. For those who don't know he played my father in 'AMITYVILLE II: The Possession.' He was a beautiful, funny, talented man, with a deep soul. He will be deeply missed. #ripburtyoung" —Diane Franklin
