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 a celebrated American actor and filmmaker with a career spanning over five decades. He has garnered numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award, and has been nominated for multiple Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards. He is one of the few actors to have starred in a box-office number-one film across six consecutive decades. His films have collectively grossed over $7.5 billion worldwide, highlighting his significant impact on the film industry.

Sections (6)

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

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.

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1983: Directing Staying Alive

In 1983, Sylvester Stallone directed "Staying Alive," the sequel to "Saturday Night Fever," starring John Travolta. Although the film was critically panned, it was a commercial success, grossing nearly $65 million in the US and ranking in the top ten most financially successful films of 1983.

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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. He also performed a song for the film's soundtrack. Stallone turned down the lead role in "Romancing the Stone" to make "Rhinestone", a decision he later regretted.

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1986: Alleged Sexual Assault in Las Vegas

In 1986, Sylvester Stallone was accused of sexually assaulting a 16-year-old girl in Las Vegas. The alleged victim claimed Stallone forced her into a threesome with his bodyguard.

1987: Lump-Sum Settlement to Toni-Ann Filiti

In 1987, Stallone paid a lump-sum settlement alongside a monthly amount and a trust for psychiatric and medical expenses to his half-sister Toni-Ann Filiti.

1987: Starring in Over the Top

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

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1992: Appearing in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot

In 1992, Sylvester Stallone appeared in Roger Spottiswoode's action comedy "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot," which was a critical and box-office disaster. Stallone took the role based on rumors that Arnold Schwarzenegger was interested, who later admitted he faked interest to lure Stallone into the project.

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1995: Starring in Judge Dredd and Universal Pictures Deal

In 1995, Sylvester Stallone starred in the science fiction action film "Judge Dredd". Despite the film's poor box-office performance, Stallone signed a three-picture deal with Universal Pictures for $60 million.

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February 2000: Expiration of Universal Pictures Deal

In February 2000, Sylvester Stallone's three-picture deal with Universal Pictures expired without him making any films, resulting in no payment received.

February 26, 2000: Alleged Rape Incident at Fitness Center

On February 26, 2000, an exotic dancer named Margie Carr accused Sylvester Stallone of rape at a Santa Monica fitness center.

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.

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February 2001: Lawsuit Filed Against Stallone

In February 2001, Margie Carr filed a lawsuit against Sylvester Stallone, accusing him of rape. Stallone's lawyer denied the claim.

2001: Starring in Driven

In 2001, Sylvester Stallone starred in the film "Driven," which was a critical and commercial failure.

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2002: Starring in Avenging Angelo and D-Tox

In 2002, Sylvester Stallone's career declined with the release of "Avenging Angelo" and "D-Tox," both of which were critical and commercial failures.

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2006: Comeback with Rocky Balboa

In 2006, Sylvester Stallone made a comeback with "Rocky Balboa", the sixth installment of the "Rocky" series, which was a critical and commercial hit. He also announced plans to direct and star in a remake of "Death Wish," though he later stepped away from the project.

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2007: Human Growth Hormone Incident in Australia

In 2007, Sylvester Stallone was found with 48 vials of synthetic human growth hormone, Jintropin, in his luggage in Australia. He later pleaded guilty to possessing a controlled substance.

2013: Report on Stallone's Settlement with Half-Sister

In 2013, it was reported that Stallone paid a settlement to his half-sister Toni-Ann Filiti in 1987 after she threatened to accuse him of abuse.

August 15, 2014: Release of The Expendables 3

On August 15, 2014, "The Expendables 3" was released, featuring a returning ensemble cast with new additions such as Wesley Snipes, Antonio Banderas, Mel Gibson, and Harrison Ford. However, the film was negatively received and became the lowest-grossing film in the series.

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2016: Report Published on 1986 Alleged Assault

In 2016, a report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department was published regarding the 1986 allegation of sexual assault against Sylvester Stallone. Stallone denied the allegation.

November 2017: Sexual Assault Accusation

In November 2017, Stallone was accused of sexual assault at his Santa Monica office in the early 1990s, which he denied. His attorney stated that the accuser had filed a report after an entertainment website declined to publish the story.

June 2018: Investigation Confirmed

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

October 2018: No Charges Filed

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 then filed a police report against the accuser for lying on an official document.