The Rocky series undoubtedly has a special place in the hearts of fans. And is often credited with the franchise that instilled the love for boxing in cinema aficionados. While the franchise’s protagonist and the greatest reel-life boxer of all time, Rocky Balboa AKA Sylvester Stallone remains iconic, there is another character that fans adored and connected with, Balboa’s brother-in-law, Paulie Pennino, played by actor Burt Young. Young recently turned 82. And, Stallone took to social media to wish him on his birthday.

In an Instagram Post, Stallone shared a series of photographs of Young throughout the years. He also had a special message for him in the captions.

Stallone wished Young on his birthday while calling him ‘a real artist’. Moreover, he also mentioned that Young was a “true renaissance man”. Meanwhile, there was a rather intriguing photograph in the series posted by Stallone. The photograph showed Young during his boxing days, a fact that was unknown to many. Notably, he served a tour of duty with the United States Marine Corps from 1957 to 1959. He boxed regularly during this time, winning 32 out of 34 bouts.

It is also worth mentioning that Stallone had recently also wished actress, Talia Shire, on her birthday. Shire played Balboa’s wife, Adrian Pennino, in the series. While wishing her on her birthday, Stallone went on to call her his ‘greatest leading lady ever’.

Others join Sylvester Stallone in wishing Burt Young on his birthday

Stallone was not the only one who wished Young on his birthday. In fact, many notable names and fans quickly took to the comments to follow suit. Stallone’s brother, Frank Stallone, wished Young by saying, “Happy birthday Burt you brought a bright light to every Rocky.” Meanwhile,  actor Domenick Lombardozzi shared a fond memory involving Young. He said, “I had the pleasure of playing his son in a film, he is a true gentleman. Happy birthday Burt.”

Tony DeGennaro felt that Rocky’s co-stars were as equally iconic as the protagonist. He mentioned, “Yo Sly, ROCKY will always be the heart of the Rocky films. But the co-stars you picked to round out the cast will never be beat! Paulie, Mick, Adrian, Apollo, Drago, Clubber. The greatest of all time!”

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Patrick Baud, on the other hand, was surprised to know that Young used to be a boxer. He exclaimed, “Wait. Paulie was actually a REAL boxer?” Similarly, one user mentioned, “Without a guy like Paulie Rocky doesn’t get where he’s going. Fictional is the character but real is the person.”

As the iconic actor turns 82, there is no denying that his character will forever remain an integral part of the Rocky series. What are your thoughts on Stallone’s post? Let us know in the comments below.

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