Burt Young was born April 30, 1940 in Queens, New York. Known for his role as Paulie in the Rocky films, Young has appeared in numerous films including The Gang That Couldn’t Shoot Straight (1974), Convoy (1978), Mickey Blue Eyes (1999). At age 15, Burt Young dropped out of school to join the Marines. The actor experienced many different roles in his life, including professional boxer. 
A true boxing aficionado, Young also appeared in 14 professional boxing matches, all of which he won. Young has also boxed with legend Muhammad Ali to raise money for a charity event; the two became good friends. Burt Young began his acting career taking dramatic arts training under legendary acting coach Lee Strasberg at the Actor’s Studio. Initially Young reached out to Strasberg in an attempt to impress a young girl he liked. Strasberg agreed to meet with Young after reading his letter, and invited him to take lessons.
