Burt Young, who played Paulie in six of the “Rocky” films starring Sylvester Stallone, receiving an Oscar nod for supporting actor for his role in the 1976 original, has died, his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser confirmed to the New York Times. He was 83.
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Roger Ebert gave Young his accolades for his role in the first “Rocky” film: “And Burt Young as (Adrian’s) brother — defeated and resentful, loyal and bitter, caring about people enough to hurt them just to draw attention to his grief
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The New York Times, which slammed the film, said: “Burt Young is effective as Rocky’s best friend, a beer-guzzling mug.”
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Rocky's best friend, Young's temperamental, jealous, but loyal and caring Paulie Pennino, would defend him if insulted.
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Although he was a problematic friend who shouts at Adrian during her pregnancies, resulting in the premature birth of Rocky’s son; draws Balboa into a street fight; and in 1990’s “Rocky V,” is the reason of the Balboas’ bankruptcy.
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Young was extremely productive and never particularly attractive, which made him the ideal character actor. He had a talent for giving a thug, goon, or mug more personality and sympathy than the role called for.
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In a negative 2011 review of Robert Aldrich’s 1977 police dramedy “The Choirboys,” a poor adaptation of the Joseph Wambaugh novel, critic Richard Winters wrote:
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The 'Rocky' movies are where many people most vividly recall him. He portrays a very crude, obnoxious police sergeant in this scene who unexpectedly displays a compassionate side.