Overview

Gerald Tommaso DeLouise (April 30, 1940 – October 8, 2023), known professionally as Burt Young, was an American actor, author, and painter. He was best known for his role as Rocky Balboa’s brother-in-law and best friend Paulie Pennino in the Rocky film series, his performance in the first installment of which earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. Before acting, Young served in the U.S. Marines and was also a professional boxer. He trained under Lee Strasberg at the Actors Studio. His film debut was in 1970. Besides the Rocky series, Young appeared in numerous films, including ‘Chinatown,’ ‘The Gambler,’ ‘The Killer Elite,’ ‘Once Upon a Time in America,’ and ‘Mickey Blue Eyes.’ He also made television appearances in shows like ‘The Sopranos’ and ‘Miami Vice.’ Young was also a painter and author, with his artwork displayed in galleries worldwide. He wrote screenplays and a historical novel. Burt Young passed away on October 8, 2023, in Los Angeles, at the age of 83, due to cardiac arrest.

What Is Burt Young’s Net Worth?

At the time of his death on October 8, 2023, Burt Young, the celebrated American actor, author, and painter, had a net worth estimated at $2 million. This estimation reflects his diverse career spanning acting roles, authorship, and artistic endeavors.

Sources of Burt Young’s $2 Million Net Worth

Burt Young’s $2 million net worth was derived from several sources, primarily his extensive acting career. While specific figures for each project are not publicly available, it’s possible to break down his potential income streams.

Acting Career: This was his primary source of income. Details include:

  • Rocky Franchise: Although specific salary details for each “Rocky” film are not publicly available, his role as Paulie Pennino in all six of the first “Rocky” films would have provided a substantial income. Given the success of the franchise, it’s plausible that his earnings increased with each installment. Considering the first film “Rocky” (1976) was made on a budget of just over $1 million and grossed $225 million, actors like Burt Young may have received profit participation.
  • Other Film Roles: Young’s filmography included roles in movies such as “Chinatown” (1974) and “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984). These roles, though not as prominent as Paulie, contributed to his overall income. Typical daily rates for character actors in the 1970s and 1980s ranged from a few hundred to several thousand dollars, depending on the production’s budget and the actor’s experience.
  • Television Appearances: He also appeared in television shows like “M*A*S*H”, “Law & Order”, and “The Sopranos”. Television guest appearances generally pay per episode, with rates varying based on the show’s popularity and the actor’s recognition.
  • Directorial and Writing Ventures: His role as a director and writer for “The Adventures of Young Brave” (2000) would have provided additional income. The budget and revenue details for this film are not publicly available.

Artistic Pursuits: Burt Young was also a painter, and his artworks were displayed in galleries worldwide. The sales from his paintings would have contributed to his income, although the extent of this income stream is not detailed publicly. It’s difficult to estimate the value of his paintings without specific sales records.

Authorial Work: Details regarding any income from authorial works are not publicly available.

Burt Young’s Career Highlights and Earnings

Burt Young’s career was marked by several significant milestones, particularly his role in the “Rocky” franchise. While precise earnings for each project remain undisclosed, we can consider the general context of his career.

Rocky (1976): His Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor marked a pivotal moment. Although the specific contract details are not public, this recognition likely influenced his future earning potential.

Rocky Sequels: Appearing in all sequels solidified his presence in the franchise, providing consistent work and income over several decades. The cumulative earnings from these films would have been substantial. It is likely that his roles in “Rocky II” (1979), “Rocky III” (1982), “Rocky IV” (1985), “Rocky V” (1990), and “Rocky Balboa” (2006) came with increased compensation.

Other Notable Roles: His roles in “Chinatown” (1974) and “Once Upon a Time in America” (1984) added to his credibility and income, although specific figures are not available.

Television Roles: His appearances in various TV series, including “The Sopranos” (1999-2007), contributed steadily to his income.

Real Estate and Personal Assets

Specific details about Burt Young’s real estate holdings and other personal assets are not publicly available. Information on whether he owned property, such as a house or other real estate investments, is not accessible. Similarly, details regarding his ownership of luxury vehicles or private aircraft are unavailable. Financial privacy laws protect such personal asset information.

Without access to financial records or public statements, it is impossible to ascertain the composition of his $2 million net worth beyond his known professional activities. Typically, a net worth calculation considers all assets (e.g., real estate, investments, savings) minus liabilities (e.g., mortgages, loans).

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Burt Young, born Gerald Tommaso DeLouise on April 30, 1940, in Queens, New York, grew up in a working-class neighborhood. This upbringing heavily influenced his portrayal of tough, relatable characters on screen. Before his acting career, he served in the Marines, adding to his tough-guy persona. He trained under Lee Strasberg at the Actor’s Studio, which laid the foundation for his acting career.

Although it’s difficult to quantify how his early life directly contributed to his net worth, his background undoubtedly informed his acting style and helped him secure roles that resonated with audiences. His training under Lee Strasberg would have been a significant investment in his career development.

His transition from the Marines to acting, along with his artistic pursuits in painting and writing, shows his determination to diversify his talents. The specifics of any financial assistance or early earnings during these formative years are not publicly available.

Personal Life and Death

Burt Young was married to Gloria DeLouise from 1961 until her death in 1974. They had one daughter, Anne Morea. He passed away on October 8, 2023, at the age of 83. Details about any inheritance or estate planning related to his net worth are not publicly available.

His personal life, although marked by tragedy, appeared to be a source of strength and motivation. While these personal aspects do not directly impact the calculation of his net worth, they provide context to his life and career.

The absence of detailed public information regarding his financial decisions, investments, and assets beyond his acting career means that the estimated $2 million net worth is likely a conservative figure.

© 2025 Net Worth Ranker / All Rights Reserved