Who played Paulie Pennino in the Rocky film series?

Burt Young played Paulie Pennino in the Rocky film series.

Young first portrayed Paulie in the 1976 film Rocky and returned for the original series’ subsequent installments. Paulie is Adrian Pennino’s older brother and Rocky Balboa’s close friend and brother-in-law. His abrasive humor and complicated personality provide a recurring supporting presence around Rocky’s boxing career.

Paulie’s relationship with Rocky changes as the films progress. He is initially part of Rocky and Adrian’s working-class Philadelphia circle, later becomes involved in Rocky’s family life, and continues to appear during major turning points in the boxer’s career.

Burt Young was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Rocky. He did not appear in the Creed films, which shifted the focus to Adonis Creed and a new generation of characters. Young died in 2023.