Following the death of Rocky star Burt Young, his cause of death has since been revealed.
As previously reported, the news of Young's passing at 83 sent ripples across the entertainment industry, prompting heartfelt tributes, notably from his longtime friend and co-star, Sylvester Stallone.
The Rocky franchise, a cinematic phenomenon of the 70s, spanned six movies and two spin-offs. Young, who portrayed the lovable character Paulie Pennino, was catapulted into stardom by his performance in the 1976 film Rocky.
Anne Morea Steingieser, Young's daughter, confirmed the actor's passing on October 18, as reported by Sky News.
His death certificate has since been obtained by The Blast, and it has confirmed his cause of death.
The document lists the cause of death as "cardiac arrest" while listing other underlying conditions such as "myocardial infarction" (heart attack) and "atherosclerosis", which is the hardening of arteries.
Young's career was listed as "Entertainment" and his daughter Anne Morea Steingieser was registered as the informant.
Following his passed, Young's manager, Lynda Bensky, said: "Burt was an actor of tremendous emotional range. He could make you cry and he could scare you to death. But the real pathos that I experienced was the poignancy of his soul. That’s where it came from," per the New York Times.
Young's contribution to the world of entertainment extended beyond Rocky, with notable roles in acclaimed titles such as The Sopranos, Once Upon A Time In America, and Chinatown.
However, it was his portrayal of the quick-tempered meat packer, Paulie, that endeared him to audiences worldwide. His on-screen clashes with Talia Shire's character, Adrian, became iconic moments in cinematic history.
Stallone, deeply affected by the loss of his dear friend, took to Instagram to express his grief. In an emotional post, he wrote: "To my dear friend Burt Young, you were an incredible man and artist, I and the world will miss you very much... RIP."
The post gained an outpouring of condolences from fans and fellow celebrities alike. One fan shared: "Rocky taught me that a friend can be imperfect, moody and stubborn, but a good friend never abandons us, like Paulie. Thanks for being part of my childhood, Burt!"
As the news of Young's passing spread, others expressed their sorrow, with one person stating: "This is such sad news. I had the great honor of meeting him briefly here in Philly, he was the kindest man. Rest in peace, Burt. My kids and I will always cherish the joy you brought to our lives."
Rocky, a cinematic triumph, received widespread acclaim and secured ten Oscar nominations.
Young himself earned a nomination for Best Supporting Actor, marking a pivotal moment in his illustrious career.
The film went on to win three Oscars in 1977, including the coveted Best Picture award and clinched the Best Motion Picture accolade at the Golden Globes the same year.
Burt Young leaves behind his daughter, a grandchild, and a brother.