Burt Young, the former boxer who played the role of Paulie in six Rocky films and received a supporting actor Oscar nomination for his turn in the original, has died. He was 83.

As the sullen ex-Navy man Paulie Pennino, the older brother of best friend Rocky’s wife, Adrian (Talia Shire), Young was a stalwart of the MGM franchise starting with the inaugural 1976 release. After giving the boxer the idea to train in a chilly meat locker and working as his cornerman, Paulie was a staple of all the movies through Rocky Balboa (2006).

Stallone mourned the passing of his colleague in a post on Instagram:

 

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Young enjoyed a stellar career in films and television.“Burt Young was a wonderful man; a family man, a creative man,” his Rocky co-star Talia Shire said in a statement. “He made our work together on all the films a joy. He was a kind, generous and collaborative talent. I will miss him.”