On November 26, 2024, Scott L. Schwartz, a towering actor better known for his part as Bruiser in the “Ocean’s” film series, died at his residence in Covington, Louisiana. The cause of death was congestive heart failure, and he was 65.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania was Schwartz’s birthplace on March 16, 1959. At Washington High School, he excelled in football, baseball, and ice hockey before attending Temple University. He eventually entered professional wrestling, performing under names like “Joshua Ben-Gurion—The Israeli Commando” and “Giant David.” His stature, at 6 feet 10 inches tall and 303 pounds, drew audiences globally.
WWE Hall of Famer Walter ‘Killer’ Kowalski trained Schwartz, whose wrestling career spanned multiple countries, including Japan, South Africa, and Australia. Promoted by industry legends Verne Gagne and Vince McMahon, he caught the attention of a Hollywood agent, which led to his acting career.
In 2001, Schwartz’s big break came with his depiction of Bruiser in “Ocean’s Eleven,” a role he reprised in “Ocean’s Twelve” and “Ocean’s Thirteen.” His acting credits span over 100 productions, from “The Scorpion King” and “Spider-Man” to “Starsky & Hutch” and “Fun with Dick and Jane.” He also had roles on television shows like “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,” “Buffy the Vampire Slayer,” and “The Young and the Restless.”
In addition to acting, Schwartz was an active philanthropist. Following his sister’s death from lung cancer in 1998, he spent more than a decade visiting children’s hospitals across the globe. His efforts earned him recognition such as the Glass Slipper Award from the Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC).
His wife, Misty, described him as a “jolly person, so full of life, a strong loving person, foodie and travel aficionado” who treasured every moment and relationship. Actor Rick Zahn paid tribute to Schwartz as a “good man” and “a dear friend,” emphasizing his zest for life and love for his family.
George Clooney, Schwartz’s co-star in the “Ocean’s” series, expressed his condolences, “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 leaves behind his wife, Misty; children, Angela and Adam; mother-in-law, Brenda; cousins, Sherry and Duwayne; and his aunt, Penni, along with her immediate family.