Scott L. Schwartz, the wrestler-turned-actor best known for playing Bruiser in the Ocean‘s Eleven film franchise, has died. He was 65.
Schwartz died of congestive heart failure on Nov. 26 at his home in Covington, Louisiana, his wife Misty told The Hollywood Reporter.
Schwartz originated Bruiser in the first Ocean’s Eleven film in 2001; the character pretended to beat up George Clooney’s Dany Ocean behind closed doors. Schwartz reprised the role in 2004’s Ocean’s 12 and 2007’s Ocean’s 13.
“I’m sorry to hear that Scott is gone,” George Clooney said in a statement. “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’s television credits included Star Trek: Deep Space Nine, Martial Law, Angel, Nash Bridges, Castle, The Mentalist, The Young and the Restless and Buffy the Vampire Slayer. He also held roles in films Fun with Dick and Jane, Starsky & Hutch and The Scorpion King.
Scott L. Schwartz was born on March 16, 1959, in Philadelphia. He began as a pro wrestler under the names of The Israeli Commando and Giant David before heading to Hollywood as a stuntman and actor.
His wife noted that he loved his time on screen and in the ring, but was “most proud of his charity work,” including being awarded the Glass Slipper Award from the children’s healthcare foundation CHOC. David Beckham and Gwen Stefani are also fellow recipients.
“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 wrote, adding that he “truly loved life and everyone that he met along the way.”
Schwartz is survived by his wife, Misty, children Angela and Adam, mother-in-law Brenda, cousins Sherry and Duwayne and aunt Penni.