Sylvester Stallone leads tributes as Rocky co-star and Paulie legend Burt Young dies aged 83
Burt Young (right) has died aged 83
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Sylvester Stallone has led tributes to Oscar nominee and fellow Rocky legend Burt Young following his death.
Young died aged 83 in Los Angeles, USA on October 8, his daughter told the New York Times.
His manager Lynda Bensky also said of his death: "Burt was an actor of tremendous emotional range.
"He could make you cry and he could scare you to death, but the real pathos that I experienced was the poignancy of his soul. That’s where it came from," she told People.
No cause or location has been given for Young's death but tributes have flooded in since the news broke.
This includes Rocky leading man Sylvester Stallone who penned alongside a still from the hit film: "To my Dear Friend, BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man’s and artist.
Sylvester Stallone opposite Burt Young in Rocky
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"I and the World will miss you very much...RIP," he signed off to his 16.6 million followers.
It didn't take long for Sly's followers and Rocky fans to take to the comments section to share tributes of their own.
Replying to Stallone's post, one fan penned: "RIP Pauly! An amazing actor. You will be missed Burt!"
A second echoed: "Rocky taught me that a friend can be imperfect, moody and stubborn, but a good friend never abandons us, like Paulie. Thanks for being part of my childhood, Burt!"
Another weighed in: "Heartbreaking indeed and he will be missed but never forgotten. May he rest in peace and may God comfort his family and loved ones..."
While a fourth said: "What a sad day for all of us. We’re so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. He is irreplaceable & unforgettable." (sic)
Young took on the iconic role of Paulie in the Rocky films, a butcher and the brother of Adrian (played by Talia Shire).
Often the one to give Rocky words of wisdom on his path to boxing glory, Paulie was also responsible for the franchise's famous punching beef scene.
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As well as Rocky, Young's CV includes credits in 1974's Chinatown, Law and Order SVU and Miami Vice.
Young is survived by his daughter, a brother, Robert, and a grandson. His wife, Gloria, died in 1974.