Challenges Faced by Sylvester Stallone: Obstacles and Turning Points

Life is full of challenges, and Sylvester Stallone faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.

Sylvester Stallone is an American actor and filmmaker with a career spanning over fifty years. He's received a Golden Globe and Critics' Choice Award, along with multiple Academy Award and BAFTA nominations. Notably, he's one of two actors to star in a box-office number one film across six consecutive decades. His films have grossed over $7.5 billion worldwide, establishing him as a major figure in the entertainment industry.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals

1969: Moved to New York City and Struggled as an Actor

In 1969, Sylvester Stallone moved to New York City and struggled to find acting work, eventually finding some minor roles.

1970: First Starring Role in The Party at Kitty and Stud's

In 1970, Stallone had his first starring role in the softcore pornography film "The Party at Kitty and Stud's", earning $200 for two days of work. He took the role out of desperation after being evicted and becoming homeless.

1972: Failed to Get Job in The Godfather

In 1972, Stallone was on the verge of giving up his acting career after failing to get a job as an extra in "The Godfather". He instead got a background role in "What's Up, Doc?".

1981: Falling Out with Joe Spinell

In 1981, Sylvester Stallone had a falling out with Joe Spinell during the shooting of their final collaboration, Nighthawks.

Loading Video...

1983: Directing Staying Alive

In 1983, Sylvester Stallone directed "Staying Alive", the sequel to "Saturday Night Fever" starring John Travolta. While the film was a critical failure, it achieved commercial success, opening with the biggest weekend gross for a musical film at the time and ranking among the top ten most financially successful films of the year.

Loading Video...

1984: Starring in Rhinestone

In 1984, Sylvester Stallone co-wrote and starred in the comedy film "Rhinestone" alongside Dolly Parton, playing a wannabe country music singer, and he also performed a song for the movie's soundtrack. Stallone later regretted turning down the lead role in "Romancing the Stone" to make "Rhinestone".

Loading Video...

1985: Signing on for Angels with Dirty Faces Remake

Around 1985, Sylvester Stallone was signed to star in a remake of the 1939 film "Angels with Dirty Faces", as part of a multi-picture deal with Cannon Films. Christopher Reeve was set to co-star, and Menahem Golan was to direct. However, the remake faced disapproval, and Cannon Films opted to make the action film "Cobra" instead.

Loading Video...

1987: Consensual Relationship Claim

In 1987, Stallone's attorneys stated that while the actor had a consensual relationship with the accuser, they had two witnesses who refuted the claims.

1987: Starring in Over the Top

In 1987, Sylvester Stallone starred in the family drama "Over the Top" as a struggling trucker who enters an arm wrestling competition. The film was poorly received by critics and was a box-office failure.

Loading Video...

1995: Starring in Judge Dredd

In 1995, Sylvester Stallone starred in the science fiction action film "Judge Dredd", based on the British comic book "2000 AD". Despite underperforming at the domestic box office, its overseas appeal saved the film from being a complete failure.

Loading Video...

1996: Starring in Daylight

In 1996, Sylvester Stallone starred in the disaster film "Daylight" as a former emergency services chief. The film underperformed at the domestic box office but did better overseas.

Loading Video...

February 2000: Expiration of Stallone's Three-Picture Deal with Universal Pictures

In February 2000, Sylvester Stallone's three-picture deal with Universal Pictures expired without him making any films. He therefore received no payment, despite signing the $60 million deal in 1995.

2000: Starring in Get Carter

In 2000, Sylvester Stallone starred in "Get Carter", a remake of the 1971 British film of the same name. The film was poorly received by critics and audiences.

Loading Video...

2001: Starring in Driven

In 2001, Sylvester Stallone starred in "Driven", which was a critical and commercial failure, marking a decline in his career.

Loading Video...

2002: Starring in Avenging Angelo and D-Tox

In 2002, Sylvester Stallone starred in "Avenging Angelo" and "D-Tox", both of which were critical and commercial failures, further impacting his career.

Loading Video...

2007: Australian Customs Incident

In 2007, customs officials in Australia discovered 48 vials of the synthetic human growth hormone Jintropin in Sylvester Stallone's luggage, leading to a court hearing where he pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled substance.

August 15, 2014: Release of The Expendables 3

On August 15, 2014, The Expendables 3, the third installment in the ensemble action film series, was released. This film was negatively received by critics and audiences and became the lowest-grossing film in the series.

Loading Video...

November 2017: Sexual Assault Allegation

In November 2017, a woman accused Stallone of sexually assaulting her at his Santa Monica office in the early 1990s. Stallone denied the claim, and his attorney stated the accuser filed a report after an entertainment website declined to publish the story.

June 2018: Investigation into Alleged Assault

In June 2018, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office confirmed an investigation into the alleged sexual assault, stating that the Santa Monica Police Department presented a sex crimes case against Stallone to a special prosecution task force for review.

October 2018: Decision Not to Charge Stallone

In October 2018, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office decided not to charge Stallone for the alleged assault, citing a lack of corroborating witnesses. Stallone subsequently filed a police report against the accuser for lying on an official document.