Scott L. Schwartz, ‘Ocean’s’ Trilogy Actor and Former Wrestler, Dies at 65

As a movie reviewer with a soft spot for larger-than-life characters, I must say that Scott L. Schwartz was a true entertainer who left an indelible mark on the silver screen. From his towering 6’10” frame to his versatile acting talents, Schwartz embodied the spirit of the underdog turned heavyweight champ, both in and out of the ring.

65-year-old Scott L. Schwartz, a former professional wrestler who transitioned to acting and gained recognition as the menacing character Bruiser in Steven Soderbergh’s “Ocean’s” trilogy of heist films, passed away on November 26, 2024 at his residence in Covington, Louisiana.

Schwartz’s death was confirmed by a representative. A cause of death was not disclosed.

People who knew Scott personally saw him as a lively, joyful individual, with a powerful capacity for love, a keen food enthusiast, and an avid traveler,” according to his representative’s statement. “Scott embraced life passionately and cherished every person he encountered. When not acting, wrestling, or entertaining with jokes, he devoted his time to visiting children with cancer at hospitals.

In addition to the main cast of eleven characters in the “Ocean’s” trilogy and their adversary Terry Benedict (played by Andy Garcia), only the character played by Schwartz, known as Bruiser, appears consistently throughout all three films: “Ocean’s Eleven,” “Ocean’s Twelve,” and “Ocean’s Thirteen.” In the 2001 film, Danny Ocean, portrayed by George Clooney, enlists Bruiser to pretend to beat him up as part of the group’s heist plan.

Schwartz featured in over a hundred different productions throughout his acting career, taking on roles as a stuntman and portraying antagonists with comedic flair – this can be seen on the Jay Leno’s “Tonight Show” and in action series. Titles such as “The Scorpion King,” “Spider-Man,” “Castle,” “Epic Movie,” “Starsky & Hutch,” and “Fun With Dick and Jane” are among his works. In 2010, he directed, wrote, and starred in the film “Changing Hands,” with his collaborator from the “Ocean’s” series, Eddie Jemison, taking the lead role.

Born March 19, 1959 in Philadelphia, Schwartz excelled as a high school athlete with his 6’10” frame. He studied at Temple University before beginning to train as a professional wrestler, debuting as Giant David in 1979. At another point, he also went by “The Israeli Commando” in the ring.

Schwartz is mourned by his spouse, Misty; his kids, Angela and Adam; his mother-in-law, Brenda; cousins, Sherry and Duwayne; his aunt, Penni, along with her family members, Holli, Todd, Howard, and many more.

2024-12-04 02:16

Scott L. Schwartz, ‘Ocean’s’ Trilogy Actor and Former Wrestler, Dies at 65

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