Ocean’s Eleven actor Scott L. Schwartz has died at the age of 65. The beloved actor known for his role as Bruiser in the franchise, passed away on November 26, due to congestive heart failure.
His representative confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement to Variety, describing Schwartz as “a jolly, life-loving person, a foodie, a travel enthusiast, and a deeply caring individual.”
“Scott truly loved life and everyone he met along the way,” the statement continued. “When he wasn’t acting, wrestling, or cracking jokes, he dedicated his time to visiting children battling cancer in hospitals.”
Schwartz, who began his career as a professional wrestler before retiring in 1999, found widespread fame in Hollywood with his performances in Ocean’s Eleven (2001), Ocean’s Twelve (2004), and Ocean’s Thirteen (2007), where he shared the screen with stars like George Clooney and Brad Pitt.
Clooney paid tribute to his former co-star, saying: “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 will be dearly missed.”
Actor Rick Zahn also honored Schwartz in an emotional Instagram post, reflecting on the actor’s battle with ill health in recent years. “With [his wife] Misty at his side, Scott peacefully transitioned. At 6’10”, he was one of the few I literally looked up to—not just because of his height but because of his heart. He lived life with passion and adored his wife, Misty.”
Over his career, Schwartz amassed over 100 acting credits, appearing in films such as Starsky & Hutch, Spider-Man (2002), The Scorpion King, and Meet Wally Sparks. He also delighted fans at conventions, a tradition he cherished. In a 2008 interview with Slam Wrestling, Schwartz shared his appreciation for meeting fans. “It’s great to sit down and hear what they enjoyed about my work. It’s a really cool exchange.”
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