Talented character actor, renowned for consistently taking on roles that require a rugged, intimidating presence, often portraying individuals who operate on the fringes of society, frequently finding themselves on the wrong side of the law. Born on April 30, 1940, in the bustling metropolis of New York City, he is the son of a high school shop teacher and proudly boasts Italian heritage.
Young's journey in the world of acting began under the guidance of renowned acting coach Lee Strasberg at the prestigious Actors Studio, where he honed his craft and prepared for a successful career in the entertainment industry.
Young's early work in film caught the attention of audiences with his portrayal of tough, menacing characters in movies such as The Gang That Couldn't Shoot Straight (1971),Across 110th Street (1972),Chinatown (1974),and The Gambler (1974). His impressive performance in The Killer Elite (1975) earned him recognition from director Sam Peckinpah, who went on to cast him as the memorable character "Mac" in the same film.
Young's breakthrough role came when he was cast by newcomer Sylvester Stallone as the character "Paulie" in the 1976 surprise hit Rocky (1976). This role would go on to earn him an Oscar nomination and lead to his reprisal of the character in all five subsequent Rocky sequels.
Peckinpah, impressed by Young's performance in The Killer Elite, rehired him to play the role of the rebellious trucker "Pigpen" in the moderately successful Convoy (1978). A notable aspect of this film is the Mack truck driven by "Pigpen", which features the writing "Paulie Hauling" on its door.
Young's extensive filmography also includes notable roles in Once Upon a Time in America (1984),The Pope of Greenwich Village (1984),Last Exit to Brooklyn (1989),Mickey Blue Eyes (1999),and The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002).
