Burt Young

Burt Young was an Italian-American actor, author and painter best known for his role as Rocky Balboa's brother-in-law and best friend Paulie Pennino in the Rocky film series. His peformance in the first installment earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Young made television appearances in The Rockford Files, Baretta, Law & Order, Walker, Texas Ranger, All In The Family, M*A*S*H, and Miami Vice. He also played Bobby Baccalieri's father on The Sopranos and, as a nod to his having served in the Marine Corps, played a retired drill instructor on ABC's Roomies (1987).

Young's work on the silver screen included Chinatown, Back to School, The Pope of Greenwich Village, Once Upon a Time in America, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Downtown: A Street Tale and Amityville II: The Possession. 

Later in life, Young focused on roles in theatre and on painting, a lifelong pursuit that led to gallery shows and sales.