Sylvester Stallone shares heartfelt tribute to Rocky tough guy Burt Young following his death at 83: ‘I will miss you very much’

Sylvester Stallone penned a heartfelt tribute to his ‘friend’ and former Rocky co-star, Burt Young, on Instagram on Wednesday following his passing at the age of 83.

The Rambo star, 77 – who starred alongside the late actor in a total of six films in the Rocky franchise – expressed how he would ‘miss’ Young upon hearing the news of his death, which occurred on October 8 in Los Angeles.

The Oscar-nominated star’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, to the New York Times. However, the exact cause of his passing has yet to be revealed.

Stallone uploaded a throwback, black and white image of both himself and Burt on set of the classic film in 1976.

In the caption, he penned, ‘To my Dear Friend, BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man’s and artist, I and the World will miss you very much…RIP.’

Heartfelt tribute: Sylvester Stallone, 77, penned a heartfelt tribute to his ‘friend’ and former Rocky co-star, Burt Young, on Instagram on Wednesday following his passing at the age of 83; the two seen in 1976 on set of Rocky

Sad loss: In the caption, he penned, ‘To my Dear Friend, BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man’s and artist, I and the World will miss you very much…RIP’

Will be missed: The Rambo star expressed how he would ‘miss’ Young upon hearing the news of his death, which occurred on October 8; seen in 2021

Other social media users also expressed their condolensces in the comment section of Sylvester’s post, with one typing, ‘So sorry to hear this. A truly exceptional actor!! #RIP #Paulie.’

Another fan wrote, ‘Rest in peace, Pauly. May his memory be eternal,’ and one added, ‘Rest in peace, Burt Young… He was a great man, this is so sad…’

Burt starred in various projects, but jumped to fame when he played the character of Paulie Pennino, the brother of Adrian (played by Talia Shire), in six of the Rocky movies.

For his performance in Rocky (1976), Young received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. The award ended up going to Jason Robards for his role in All The President’s Men.

While talking to Theater Mania to promote his role in the stage production of The Last Vig in 2017, Burt opened up about getting his iconic role in the Rocky franchise.

‘Sylvester comes to me. He introduces himself. “You gotta do this part.” I said, “I’m gonna do it,” and he lit up like a pumpkin,’ he recalled.

The actor continued, ‘We’ve been very close ever since. He’s a friendly guy, Sylvester. Very intelligent, very quick.’

In regards to still working after decades in the industry, he commented on his age, humorously stating, ‘All I have to do is look in the mirror. My name is Young, Burt Young. I’m eternally young.’

Confirmed: The Oscar-nominated star’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser, to the New York Times; seen in 2019 in Los Angeles

Saying goodbye: Other social media users also expressed their condolensces in the comment section of Sylvester’s post, with one typing, ‘So sorry to hear this. A truly exceptional actor!! #RIP #Paulie’; seen on set of Rocky V

In 2016, Stallone notably shared a special message to Young as he celebrated the actor’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the Long Beach International Film Festival – which was shared to Burt’s Facebook page.

‘I was very lucky to meet Burt Young in 1975, because this man is an anomaly, incredibly strong, brave, worldly, intelligent, artistic and insightful. I guess that would certify him as a Renaissance man,’ the First Blood actor expressed.

In regards to Burt’s portrayal of Paulie, Sylvester added, ‘He brought such passion to the character…I thought he should have won an Oscar. It was amazing.’

He later added, ‘I just wanted to be the guy lucky enough to capture the essence of Burt Young on film. And I believe we did that for many years.’

The pair had the chance to reunite in 2021 as they attended the special screening of Rocky IV: Rocky Vs. Drago The Ultimate Director’s Cut.

Young had a long and successful career in Hollywood, and starred in over 160 film and television projects. Before jumping in front of the camera, Burt notably served with the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959.

One of his first roles was in 1969 when he starred in the television series called The Doctors where he played an uncredited role of a bartender, per Burt’s official IMDB page.

He is also known for working on films such as Chinatown (1974) – starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway – as well as Once Upon A Time In America (1984).

Oscar nominee: For his performance in Rocky (1976), Young received a nomination for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor

Other projects: He is also known for working on films such as Chinatown (1974) – starring Jack Nicholson and Faye Dunaway – as well as Once Upon A Time In America (1984); seen in 2021

During his time in the Marine Corps, he notably took up boxing and later had the chance to train under manager and boxing coach, Cus D’Amato, per Deadline.

His first credited role was in the 1970 film titled, Carnival Of Blood, where he tackled the character of Gimpy. Burt also appeared in numerous TV shows as well, such as M*A*S*H, Law & Order and Miami Vice.

During his career, Young had the chance to step away from the camera and enjoyed time with stage productions.

He notably wrote two stage plays, such as SOS, as well as a historical novel that is titled, Endings. He was also a painter, and some of his own work was briefly shown in the 2006 film, Rocky Balboa.

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