Scott L. Schwartz, the wrestler-turned-actor who appeared in the “Ocean’s Eleven” film franchise, has died at age 65.
Schwartz passed away of congestive heart failure at his home in Covington, Louisiana on Nov. 26, his wife, Misty, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
“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,” said Misty.
“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,” she added.
George Clooney paid tribute to his “Ocean’s Eleven” co-star in a statement.
“I’m sorry to hear that Scott is gone,” said Clooney, 63. “We did three films together and I’ve never been so gently punched. He was a gentle soul and he will be dearly missed.”
The Post has reached out to Misty and Clooney for comment.
Schwartz played Bruiser in 2001’s “Ocean’s Eleven” and reprised the role in 2004’s “Ocean’s Twelve” and 2007’s “Ocean’s Thirteen.” He worked with the star-studded cast that also included Matt Damon, Brad Pitt, Andy Garcia, Julia Roberts, Casey Affleck and Don Cheadle.
His other acting credits included the movies “The Scorpion King,” “Lost Treasure,” “Fun with Dick and Jane,” “Starsky & Hutch,” and “Daddy’s Home,” and the TV shows “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Angel,” “Nash Bridges,” “The Young & Rebellious,” “The Mentalist,” and Castle.”
Actor Rick Zahn honored Schwartz in a heartfelt Instagram post the day after his death.
“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.”
Schwartz’s career in professional wrestling started in the 1970s. He was trained by WWE legend Killer Kowalski, and went by the personas “Giant David,” “The Israeli Commando,” and “Igor the Giant.”
The late star retired from wrestling in 1999 to focus on his acting career.
“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.”
Schwartz is survived by Misty, his kids Angela and Adam, and other family members.
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