Oscar-nominated Rocky star Burt Young has died at the age of 83

Burt Young has sadly died at the age of 83.

The actor was nominated for an Academy Award for his role in Rocky where he played Sylvester Stallone's brother-in-law and best friend Paulie.

The New York Times says the news was confirmed by Young's daughter, Anne Morea Steingieser.

Stallone also wrote on social media: "To my Dear Friend, BURT YOUNG, you were an incredible man’s and artist, I and the World will miss you very much…RIP."

In addition to Rocky, Young also appeared in the likes of Chinatown, Convoy, Back to School, The Pope of Greenwich Village, Once Upon a Time in America, Last Exit to Brooklyn, Downtown: A Street Tale, and Amityville II: The Possession.