Burt Young is a very talented and well-known actor from major motion picture films such as the Rocky movies and many more.  While loved and respected by many, he also has a family and paints during his free time and while in between his acting jobs.

I recently had the privilege to sit down with Burt to gain some insight about his life and career.

Where were all of the places you lived?

I lived in many places, Manhattan, Corona (Queens), Beverly Hills, Okinawa (Japan), The Philippines, basically all over the world pretty much.

Where did you grow up?

I never grew up to be honest with you, but at 16, I was in the Marine Corps so I was in the service.  I did not really have many play days as a kid. I grew up in Jackson Heights, Queens with my mother, father and brother; they were really nice people to be around and they were very supportive.

Tell me about your childhood:

I had a great time in my hometown.  However, I got into a lot of trouble when I left home as I was sort of a fresh kid.

Why did you get started in acting?

Honestly, I was lonely, I met this girl, she wanted to be an actress and she could not get into Lee Strasburg actor’s studio.  I figured I could get in anywhere and do anything I set my mind to, and then try and win her over.  So, I wrote a letter to this famous Lee Strasburg and it said something like ‘I don’t know if acting has anything for me or vice versa but, I’m treading water, please see me.’  So he did and the rest is history.

Did you have a favorite actor growing up?

Yes, I did but he is gone now. He was my favorite from the black and white movie era and his name was Charles Laughton, he brought life into things and acting in general.  Other than Charles, just myself, I like myself pretty much.  I never thought I was going to get a huge payday from acting, it was just the first time in my life I had the ability to be expressive to the audience while on stage or in front of the camera.  It is nice to see everyone’s reaction to my performances and that is a big paycheck in and of itself.

What age did you start acting?

I was an old man, I started late around 28 years old.

What did you do prior to acting?

Just about everything that didn’t need an educational background.  I put a lot of sweat equity in everything I did.  I laid down carpets, shampooed carpets, was a pro fighter, was in the Marine Corps; basically almost everything that I could do to bring a dollar home because I had two children of my own that I was raising and needed to support them.

How did you get started with painting?

Well, my father was very gifted and he was always handy with paint so I watched him when I was younger.  Painting and writing comes fairly easy for me.  To paint, you just have to be bold, bold just like with anything you do in life and be convinced that you have something to say or illustrate and just paint it.

What is your style of painting and why?

I really have no style. A lot of paint and a lot of colors motivate me.  If I feel (the color) red or green, I get a tube of paint and squeeze it all out and I just move it around onto the canvass.  Sometimes, if I see an injustice or something that might be wrong to people or certain current events in our society, I might focus on that as a subject matter.

What is your favorite memory and why?

My favorite memory is meeting your aunt (Lisa).  I knew her when she was too young to have a serious relationship with and then our paths crossed again years and years later.  At that time, we were able to start a friendship which ultimately turned into what we have today.  That is a great memory in my life and she is very beautiful woman.

How would you sum up your life and your life experiences?

Pretty damn great! My life has been a great trip, a wild ride and a very funny one at that.  I have a lot of family members who have passed; and many more who are still with us today who I enjoy and try to maximize my time with.  I am having a wonderful life journey and I am very grateful for all I accomplished.

Burt Young has an interesting background and life.  He had many great opportunities during his lifetime that was able to help his career and professional growth.

Burt is a role model for all both on and off camera.  It just goes to show you what can be accomplished when you set goals and put your mind and heart into everything you do.