Scott L. Schwartz, the actor known for his role as Bruiser in the Ocean’s trilogy, has died aged 65 at his home in Covington, Louisiana.
The former professional wrestler turned screen actor passed away on November 26 from congestive heart failure, his representative confirmed.
Standing at an impressive 6ft 10in, Schwartz made his mark in Hollywood appearing in more than 100 productions throughout his career.
His representative said: “Those who know Scott personally associated him with being a jolly person, so full of life, a strong loving person, foodie and travel aficionado. Scott truly loved life and everyone that he met along the way.”
George Clooney, who starred alongside Schwartz in the Ocean’s trilogy, led the tributes to his former co-star.
“I’m sorry to hear that Scott is gone. We did three films together and I’ve never been so gently punched. He was a gentle soul and he will be dearly missed,” Clooney said.
Scott L Schwartz has died
GETTY
Schwartz played the memorable role of Bruiser across all three Ocean’s films, making him one of the few characters outside the main heist team to appear throughout the trilogy.
In the 2001 original, his character was hired by George Clooney’s Danny Ocean to stage a fake beating, a scene that would become one of the film’s memorable moments.
Born in Philadelphia in 1959, Schwartz began his career as a professional wrestler under the names Giant David and The Israeli Commando in 1979.
After being spotted by a Hollywood agent during a wrestling show in Bakersfield, California, he transitioned to acting and stunt work.
Scott L Schwartz opposite George Clooney in Oceans Eleven
OCEANS ELEVEN
His imposing frame and athletic ability led to numerous roles as screen villains, appearing in popular films including Spider-Man, The Scorpion King, and Starsky & Hutch.
His television credits included appearances in Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Castle, The Mentalist, and Buffy the Vampire Slayer.
In 2010, Schwartz wrote, directed and starred in the feature film “Changing Hands” alongside his Ocean’s co-star Eddie Jemison.
House of Cards star Rick Zahn paid tribute to Schwartz on Instagram, calling him a “good man” and “terrific actor”.
“At 6’10”, Scott was one of the rare few I looked up to. But it wasn’t just because he was actually taller. It was because of his heart. He lived life with passion. And he adored his wife, Misty,” Zahn wrote.
When not performing, Schwartz dedicated his time to visiting children with cancer at children’s hospitals, earning him the Glass Slipper Award from children’s healthcare foundation CHOC.
Scott L Schwartz died aged 65
GETTY
He is survived by his wife, Misty; children, Angela and Adam; mother-in-law, Brenda; cousins, Sherry and Duwayne; and his aunt, Penni, and her family.