History of Sylvester Stallone in Timeline

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Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone is a celebrated American actor and filmmaker with a career spanning over five decades. He has received numerous awards, including a Golden Globe and a Critics' Choice Award, alongside nominations for Academy Awards and BAFTA Awards. Stallone is one of the few actors to star in a box-office number one film across six consecutive decades. His films have collectively grossed over $7.5 billion worldwide, marking him as a significant figure in the film industry.

1915: The Armenian Genocide

In 1915, the Armenian Genocide occurred, which Sylvester Stallone wanted to portray in a film adaptation of "The Forty Days of Musa Dagh".

1939: Release of Angels with Dirty Faces

In 1939 the original movie "Angels with Dirty Faces" was released.

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1971: Release of the original Get Carter film

In 1971, the original British film "Get Carter" was released. Sylvester Stallone starred in a remake of the film in 2000.

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1974: Release of the original Death Wish film

In 1974, the original movie "Death Wish" was released.

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1983: Directing Staying Alive

In 1983, Sylvester Stallone directed "Staying Alive", the sequel to "Saturday Night Fever" starring John Travolta. While commercially successful, grossing nearly $65 million in the US, it was critically panned.

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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 regretted turning down the lead role in "Romancing the Stone" to make "Rhinestone".

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1985: Signing for Angels with Dirty Faces Remake

Around 1985, Sylvester Stallone signed on to star in a remake of the 1939 film "Angels with Dirty Faces" as part of a multi-picture deal with Cannon Films. The remake, which was to co-star Christopher Reeve, faced disapproval and was eventually scrapped in favor of the action film "Cobra".

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1985: Rocky IV and Rambo: First Blood Part II Release

In 1985, Sylvester Stallone continued his success with the Rocky and Rambo franchises, releasing "Rocky IV" and "Rambo: First Blood Part II". He prepared for "Rocky IV" by training with Franco Columbu, mirroring Mr. Olympia competition prep. Both films were major financial successes.

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1986: Cobra Release and Production Company Setup

In 1986, The action film "Cobra", starring Sylvester Stallone, was released and became a box-office success. This led to the setting up of his production company, White Eagle Enterprises.

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1987: Consensual Relationship Claim

In 1987, Stallone's attorneys stated that he had a consensual relationship with his accuser.

1987: Starring in Over the Top

In 1987, Sylvester Stallone starred in "Over the Top" as a trucker trying to reconnect with his son through an arm wrestling competition. The film was poorly received and a box-office failure.

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1989: Co-starring in Tango & Cash

In 1989, Sylvester Stallone co-starred with Kurt Russell in the buddy cop action film "Tango & Cash", which earned over US$120 million worldwide. Stallone also became a boxing promoter in the 1980s, signing world champion boxers to his company, Tiger Eye Productions.

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1992: Appearing in Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot

In 1992, Sylvester Stallone appeared in "Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot", which was a critical and box-office disaster. He took the role based on rumors that Schwarzenegger was interested, who later admitted to faking interest to lure Stallone into the project.

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1993: Starring in Cliffhanger and Demolition Man

In 1993, Sylvester Stallone made a comeback with the successful action thriller "Cliffhanger", grossing US$171 million worldwide. He also starred in the futuristic action film "Demolition Man" with Wesley Snipes and Sandra Bullock, which debuted at No. 1 at the box office.

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1994: Contribution to Rick Santorum's Campaign

In 1994, Stallone contributed $1,000 to the campaign of then-Congressman Rick Santorum, who was running for the Senate in Pennsylvania.

1994: Starring in The Specialist

In 1994, Sylvester Stallone starred in "The Specialist" with Sharon Stone, which was a commercial success despite negative reviews. The film made $170.3 million worldwide.

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1995: Starring in Judge Dredd

In 1995, Sylvester Stallone starred in the science fiction action film "Judge Dredd". Although a domestic box-office disappointment, its overseas appeal helped it make US$113 million worldwide.

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1996: Rediscovery of Faith

In 1996, Stallone rediscovered his Catholic faith when his daughter was born ill.

1996: Starring in Daylight

In 1996, Sylvester Stallone starred in the disaster film "Daylight", which underperformed domestically but grossed $158 million worldwide.

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1997: Starring in Cop Land and winning Best Actor Award

In 1997, Sylvester Stallone starred in "Cop Land", receiving critical acclaim and the Stockholm International Film Festival Best Actor Award for his performance. The film was a modest box office success.

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1998: Voice-over work for Antz

In 1998, Sylvester Stallone did voice-over work for the animated film "Antz", which was a domestic success.

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February 2000: Expiration of three-picture deal with Universal Pictures

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

2000: Starring in Get Carter

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

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2001: Driven Release

In 2001, Sylvester Stallone's film "Driven" was released but was a critical and commercial failure.

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2002: Avenging Angelo and D-Tox Release

In 2002, Sylvester Stallone's films "Avenging Angelo" and "D-Tox" were released and were also critical and commercial failures.

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2003: Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over and Taxi 3 Appearances

In 2003, Sylvester Stallone played a villain in "Spy Kids 3-D: Game Over", which was a box-office success. He also had a cameo in the French film "Taxi 3". He regained prominence for his supporting role in "Shade". He was also attached to star in and direct a film about the murders of Tupac Shakur and The Notorious B.I.G., but it was shelved.

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2005: Co-presenting The Contender, Guest Appearance in Las Vegas, and WWE Hall of Fame Induction

In 2005, Sylvester Stallone co-presented the NBC reality show "The Contender" with Sugar Ray Leonard and guest-starred in "Las Vegas". He also inducted Hulk Hogan into the WWE Hall of Fame and released his fitness book "Sly Moves".

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Sly Moves: My Proven Program to Lose Weight, Build Strength, Gain Will Power, and Live your Dream
Sly Moves: My Proven Program to Lose Weight, Build Strength, Gain Will Power, and Live your Dream

2006: Return to Strict Catholicism and 700 Club Interview

In 2006, Stallone became a strict Catholic again and was interviewed by Pat Robertson on the Christian Broadcasting Network's 700 Club. He stated he had "lost his way" in Hollywood but later put things "in God's hands".

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2006: Desire to Direct Film about Musa Dagh

In 2006, Sylvester Stallone expressed his desire to direct a film based on Franz Werfel's novel "The Forty Days of Musa Dagh", detailing the Armenian genocide of 1915.

2006: Rocky Balboa Release and Death Wish Remake Plans

In 2006, Sylvester Stallone made a comeback with "Rocky Balboa", which was a critical and commercial hit. He also planned to direct and star in a "Death Wish" remake, but later abandoned the project.

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January 25, 2008: Rambo Release

On January 25, 2008, Sylvester Stallone reprised his role in "Rambo", the fourth installment of the franchise. The film grossed US$6,490,000 on its opening day.

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2008: Endorsement of John McCain

In 2008, Stallone endorsed John McCain for that year's presidential election.

July 2009: Cameo Appearance in Kambakkht Ishq

In July 2009, Sylvester Stallone made a cameo appearance in the Bollywood film "Kambakkht Ishq", playing himself.

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2009: Filming The Expendables

In 2009, Sylvester Stallone filmed "The Expendables", which was later released on August 13, 2010.

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2009: Considering Death Wish Remake

In 2009, Sylvester Stallone stated he was again considering the project to remake the film "Death Wish", but ultimately did not participate in it.

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August 13, 2010: The Expendables Release

On August 13, 2010, "The Expendables", written, directed, and starring Sylvester Stallone, was released, marking the biggest opening weekend in his career with US$34,825,135.

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December 7, 2010: Induction into International Boxing Hall of Fame

On December 7, 2010, Sylvester Stallone was voted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in the non-participant category.

2010: Spiritual Beliefs Expressed

In 2010, Stallone told GQ magazine that he is spiritual, believes in the spirit of man, and is not an atheist. He mentioned being baptized Catholic but not belonging to a structured church, appreciating the knowledge and rules but acknowledging the agony caused.

2011: Voice of a Lion in Zookeeper

In 2011, Sylvester Stallone provided the voice of a lion in Kevin James' comedy "Zookeeper".

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August 17, 2012: The Expendables 2 Release

On August 17, 2012, "The Expendables 2" was released, receiving a positive critical reception. In the same year, Stallone co-wrote the book for the Broadway musical adaptation of "Rocky".

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2013: Starring in Bullet to the Head, Escape Plan, and Grudge Match

In 2013, Sylvester Stallone starred in "Bullet to the Head", "Escape Plan", and "Grudge Match". He was also credited as writer for the Jason Statham film "Homefront".

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August 15, 2014: The Expendables 3 Release

On August 15, 2014, "The Expendables 3" was released, but was negatively received and became the lowest-grossing film in the series.

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2015: Hindu Ritual for Son Sage

In 2015, upon the advice of a Vedic scholar, Stallone performed a Hindu Tithi Shradh ritual at Haridwar for his son Sage, who died by accident or murder.

2016: Trump Described as a Dickensian Character, Rejection of NEA Chair Offer

In 2016, Stallone described Donald Trump as a "Dickensian character" and "larger than life" but did not endorse him in the Republican primaries. He also declined an offer to become Chair of the National Endowment for the Arts, citing a desire to work on issues related to veterans.

November 2017: Sexual Assault Accusation

In November 2017, Stallone was accused of sexual assault at his Santa Monica office in the early 1990s. Stallone denied the claim, with his attorney stating the accuser filed a report after a website declined to publish the story and that he had a consensual relationship with her in 1987.

June 2018: Investigation Confirmation

In June 2018, the Los Angeles District Attorney's office confirmed an investigation into the sexual assault allegation, stating the Santa Monica Police Department had presented a sex crimes case against Stallone 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 due to lack of corroborating witnesses. Stallone then filed a police report against the accuser for lying on an official document.

2023: Donation to Kyrsten Sinema's Campaign, Meeting with Pope Francis

In 2023, Stallone donated $11,600 to independent Senator Kyrsten Sinema's re-election campaign in Arizona. Later that year, he and his family spent time with Pope Francis in a private meeting at the Vatican.

2024: Attendance at Mar-a-Lago Event, Praise for Trump

Following Trump's win in the 2024 election, Stallone attended an event at Mar-a-Lago. During a speech, Stallone praised Trump as a "mythical character" and the "second George Washington" and compared him to his character Rocky Balboa.

January 16, 2025: Appointment as Special Ambassador to Hollywood

On January 16, 2025, Trump announced that Stallone would serve as a Special Ambassador to Hollywood, sharing the role with Jon Voight and Mel Gibson, to strengthen Hollywood and bring back business lost to "foreign countries".