Actor Burt Young, known for his role in the Oscar-nominated film Rocky, passes away at the age of 83.

Actor Burt Young, famous for his role as Paulie Pennino in the Rocky films, has passed away at the age of 83. In 1977, Young received an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor for his performance as Rocky's friend and future brother-in-law. Sylvester Stallone, who played Rocky, expressed his grief on social media, describing Young as an "incredible man and artist." Young was born in Queens, New York, and served in the US Marine Corps before pursuing a career in acting. He was known for playing tough guys in both TV and film and was regarded as an "exceptionally prolific" actor. Young's most recognized work was in the Rocky series, where he played Paulie in all six original films. He did not appear in the 2015 spin-off film Creed. In addition to Rocky, Young also featured in Once Upon a Time in America, Last Exit to Brooklyn, and Mickey Blue Eyes. He had guest roles in popular TV series such as Law & Order, The Rockford Files, and M*A*S*H. Young's talent extended beyond acting, as he also gained recognition as a painter. His artwork was exhibited in galleries worldwide. Young’s death was confirmed by his manager on Wednesday.