Scott L. Schwarz Dies at 65, Known for ‘Ocean’s Eleven’ and ‘The Young and the Restless’

Scott L. Schwards, an actor and former wrestler, died on November 26 at the age of 65 due to heart failure. He was particularly notable for his brief appearance in “The Young and the Restless” and his role in the “Ocean’s Eleven” series, where he worked alongside George Clooney’s character.

Wrestler Turned Actor

Born in Pennsylvania and educated in Philadelphia, Schwards initially pursued a career in professional wrestling, fighting under various aliases including “Giant David” and “The Israeli Commando.” When a Hollywood agent offered him an acting gig, he jumped at the opportunity. In 1991, he debuted as a security guard in the low-budget film “Shock ‘Em Dead.”

Schwards acted in B-movies like “Savate” and had uncredited roles in shows like “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine”. He also worked as a stuntman in films such as “My Giant” and “Agent Destructor”. His imposing physique often typecast him as a henchman. He landed a supporting role opposite Dolph Lundgren in “The Last of the Dragons” (1999), but gained significant recognition in “Ocean’s Eleven.”

“Bruiser”

In the Steven Soderbergh-directed remake, he once again played a henchman, this time as “Bruiser,” who pretends to beat up Danny Ocean, played by George Clooney, as part of a ruse since the characters are in cahoots. Bruiser returned in the movie’s sequels in 2004 and 2007, and Variety notes that Schwartz was the only actor outside of the main cast to appear in all three films.

His performance left a lasting impression, accelerating his career. He landed a role as a torturer in “The Scorpion King” and performed stunts in “Spider-Man” (2002), followed by roles in “The Forgotten Treasure” (2003) and “Starsky & Hutch” (2004). Unfortunately, his career soon reverted to less ambitious films or brief roles, such as playing a store clerk in “Fun with Dick and Jane” (2005) and an uncredited role as Hagrid in “Epic Movie” (2007).

The Young and the Restless

Two years later, he appeared in the soap opera “The Young and the Restless” as Amos Slaughter, hired by Jeffrey Bardwell (played by Ted Shackelford) to track down Kevin Fisher (Greg Rikaart) who was involved in bank robberies. His arc lasted three episodes, after which Schwartz returned to less prestigious films, such as the family comedy “Lost in the Woods” with Michael Madsen and the action film “Forbidden Zone” with Dave Bautista.

Although he never became a lead actor, Schwartz worked tirelessly, appearing in multiple films annually and showcasing his large frame and teddy bear-like demeanor in both comedies and action thrillers.