Scott L. Schwartz, the former pro wrestler who made his name as a Hollywood strong man with roles in Ocean’s Eleven and Starsky & Hutch, has died. He was 65.
His wife, Misty, confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter. Schwartz reportedly passed away of congestive heart failure Nov. 26 at his home in Covington, Louisiana.
“Most people associate Scott with the movies, but those who know him personally associated him with being a jolly person, so full of life, a strong loving person, foodie and travel aficionado,” Misty said in a statement. “Scott truly loved life and everyone that he met along the way. When he wasn’t acting, wrestling or telling jokes he spent his time visiting children with cancer at children’s hospitals.”
George Clooney also paid tribute to Schwartz, who starred in Ocean’s Eleven as Bruiser, a character who pretends to beat Clooney’s character up at one point.
“I’m sorry to hear that Scott is gone,” said Clooney. “We did three films together and I’ve never been so gently punched. He was a gentle soul and he will be dearly missed.”
Schwartz later reprised the role again in Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’s Thirteen alongside Clooney and Brad Pitt.
Born in Philadelphia in 1959, Schwartz got his start in entertainment as a professional wrestler in the 1970s, per the New York Post. He performed under the stage names “Giant David,” “The Israeli Commando,” and “Igor the Giant” before setting his sights on acting full-time.
Schwartz led a rather prolific career in acting, with appearances and roles dating as far back as 1990. He has credited roles in Martin, Angel, The Mentalist, Fun with Dick and Jane, and Spider-Man.
In 2009, he also had a regular role as a security guard in the sitcom Ctrl. He later appeared in a couple of episodes of The Young & Rebellious and The Young and the Restless.
His most recent role was in the 2021 stoner comedy The Pizza Joint.
Schwartz is survived by his wife, Misty, and his kids Angela and Adam.
