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Bert Young is an immediately recognizable character actor whose half-muttered voice and flinty

gaze made him the perfect fit for Rocky as Sylvester Stallone's ill-mannered brother-in-law

Paulie.

Without any further ado, here's Bert Young with his story.

Yes, I'm Bert Young.

I was born in Corona, Queens, New York.

I had the greatest parents.

My pop, it became like a minister in a high school.

The name was Michael.

He was a sheet metal from Iceman. He could do anything, build anything.

He could smock you pretty good too.

He's a tough guy himself.

He was a great guy.

My mother, Josephine, she lived to about 93. The most beautiful lady ever,

protected me from everything.

Mama knew I couldn't do wrong.

When I needed money as a kid, my father would give me 25 cents.

I said, Mama, I need two grand. She said, Mike, right out of check, sign the check.

That was it. As she spoke, he listened. The only trouble I ever had was when I left home.

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