A prolific and immediately recognizable character actor in films and television, Burt Young’s half-muttered voice and flinty gaze made the world of low-rent mobsters, blue collar workers and world-weary police detectives his province since the early 1970s. He came to acting through Lee Strasberg and appeared on the off-Broadway stage before making the leap to film in 1970. Numerous supporting roles as losers, thugs and tough guys preceded his memorable role in “Rocky” (1976) as Sylvester Stallone’s ill-mannered brother-in-law, Paulie Pennino. He would reprise the role in all of the subsequent
