‘Ocean’s Eleven’ Star Passes Away At 65

Scott L. Schwartz, the former professional wrestler who muscled his way into a supporting role in George Clooney’s 2001 hit “Ocean’s Eleven,” has died at the age of 65.

The New York Post reported that Schwartz suffered organ failure at his home in Covington, Louisiana surrounded by his wife Misty. “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,” she 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.”

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Clooney, 63, paid tribute to his unlikely colleague. “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.”

Born in 1959 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, Schwartz was raised in a devoutly Jewish family, a heritage that influenced his wrestling career upon graduation from high school. He ran with names such as “Joshua Ben-Gurion—The Israeli Commando,” “Igor the Giant,” and “Giant David” while winning titles throughout a 20-year career that spanned performances in 40 U.S. states and dozens of countries. It was only after a Hollywood talent scout approached him on tour that Schwartz gave consideration to retiring from his childhood dream to pursue a career as a stuntman and later an actor. His towering figure, ominous goatee, and ability to deliver lines quickly earned Schwartz talking roles as a villain character in shows such as “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” “Angel,” “Star Trek: Enterprise,” “The Scorpion King,” “Charmed,” “The Tick,” and “Black Scorpion.”

“It was a tough decision, and in order to keep from returning to the ring, I sold most of my stuff on eBay,” Schwartz told Slam Wrestling in 2006. “I kept one suit just in case, and sometimes I get a part as a wrestler and I wear that stuff in a movie, and then after I get off the movie I feel like going back in the business.”

For the 2001 remake of “Ocean’s Eleven,” Schwartz was selected to play Bruiser, the hard-nosed enforcer for Clooney’s 11-man heist crew intent on robbing a Las Vegas casino. He worked with a star-studded cast that included Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Andy Garcia, Julia Roberts, Casey Affleck and Don Cheadle. Actor Rick Zahn, a longtime friend of Schwartz, paid tribute in an Instagram post.

“Today the world lost a good man. The acting community lost a terrific actor. The law enforcement community in Los Angeles lost a good ambassador and community spokesperson. The breast cancer community lost a staunch supporter. A woman lost a devoted husband. And I lost a dear friend,” Zahn wrote. “Scott has battled ill health these past couple of years. But with Misty at his side, Scott peacefully transitioned. The suffering is over,” Zahn continued, adding, “This one hurts. I am still grateful that this big-hearted lug touched my life.”

In addition to his wife Misty, Schwartz is survived by their children Angela and Adam along with other family members.

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