Sylvester Stallone has left an indelible mark on the boxing industry through his iconic portrayal of Rocky Balboa in the ‘Rocky’ film series. Stallone’s journey mirrors the underdog narrative he brought to life on screen. Despite facing initial rejection and financial struggles, his persistence resulted in the creation of a cultural phenomenon.
Stallone’s influence extends beyond the screen as he became an ambassador for boxing, contributing to its popularity and earning respect from the boxing community for his dedication to the sport. However, it was not a cakewalk for the now-successful actor to have scaled such heights. In a recent podcast with his daughters, he reveals the pain his mother lived through.
Sylvester Stallone’s mother’s tumultuous past
Though not an orphan, his mother had to spend her years in an orphanage, suffering various brutalities and torture. According to Stallone, she was a disturbed individual. Her father had remarried, and the new stepmother detested her. They placed her in a pretty harsh orphanage. Remembering her painful past, an almost emotional Stallone revealed, “She was a troubled person. She was put into an orphanage and a very cruel orphanage and her father had remarried and the new stepmother hated her and I think my mother was also kind of rebellious.”
There, she suffered horrible abuse. The situation was such that they would even tie her to beds and whip her. It went as far as molestation. Stallone believes she was never able to truly express affection. “I think her ability to ever show love was short-circuited. She literally couldn’t stand to be touched or touch at all.” She couldn’t tolerate any kind of touch. Imagine the effect it would have on a young Stallone and his relationship with his mother. He, however, still managed to change the narrative of his life.
What inspired the first ‘Rocky’ movie?
In a transformative moment, Sylvester Stallone witnessed the legendary clash between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner, igniting the spark that would become the blockbuster hit ‘Rocky’. Driven by inspiration, he feverishly penned the script in a remarkable 20-hour burst. Amid offers reaching $125,000, Stallone had a non-negotiable condition–to star as the titular character, Rocky. The studio initially balked, seeking a ‘real star’.
Undeterred, Stallone stood firm. Eventually, they relented, providing $35,000 and granting him the coveted role. History unfolded as ‘Rocky’ claimed Oscars for Best Picture, Directing, and Film Editing. The movie star came from a background that barely provided him with any prerequisites for achieving what he had. His standing today, in both the boxing and the cinema world, is a testament to his resolve and perseverance.