Scott L. Schwartz has died at the age of 65, his wife has confirmed.
The wrestler-turned-actor was best know for starring in the Ocean’s Eleven franchise alongside stars including George Clooney, who paid tribute to his co-star.
News of Schwartz’s death was confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter by his wife, Misty, who revealed hat he’d died from congestive heart failure at his home in Covington, Louisiana, on November 26.
She told the outlet: “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.
“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.”
Clooney, 63, also shared a touching tribute to Schwartz, saying in a statement: “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.”
Schwartz starred as Bruiser in 2001’s Ocean’s Eleven and reprised the role in 2004 and 2007 in Ocean’s Twelve and Ocean’t Thirteen.
As well as working with Clooney, he also starred alongside Brad Pitt, Matt Damon, Don Cheadle, Casey Affleck, Andy Garcia, and Julia Roberts.
Other acting credits included the movies Starsky & Hutch, Daddy’s Home, The Scorpion King, and Fun With Dick And Jane.
Schwartz had also worked on several TV series, including Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Angel, The Mentalist, Nash Bridges, and The Young & Rebellious, among others.
Actor Rick Zahn also shared a heartfelt message for Schwartz, writing on Instagram: “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.
“Scott has battled ill health these past couple of years. But with Misty at his side, Scott peacefully transitioned. The suffering is over.
“This one hurts. I am still grateful that this big-hearted lug touched my life.”
Schwartz began his career as a professional wrestler in the 1970s, training under WWE legend Killer Kowalski.
He went by the aliases ‘Giant David’, ‘The Israeli Commando’, and ‘Igor The Giant’.
He turned his hand to acting after retiring from wrestling in 1999, telling Slam Wrestling in 2006: “It was a tough decision, and in order to keep from returning to the ring, I sold most of my stuff on eBay.
“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.”
Schwartz is survived by his wife Misty, and his children Angela and Adam.
