Sylvester Stallone: From Underdog to Champion

I’m captivated by stories of individuals who have battled their way from the bottom to the pinnacle of success. While it would be an oversimplification to say everyone is the same, I’ve often found that the most genuine, intriguing people I’ve encountered - those who truly appreciate their accomplishments and approach life with humility - are those who’ve had to fight their own battles.

One such story that resonates with me is that of a towering figure in Hollywood: Arnold Schwarzenegger, who went to Hollywood with just a few bucks in his pockets. But recently, I stumbled upon the tale of another formidable Hollywood actor whose journey is equally compelling, if not more so. The story of Sylvester Stallone.

This is the true and very inspiring story about a struggling actor who became a legend, a tale of poverty, persistence, and ultimately, triumph.

The Trials of Childhood

Born in 1946, Stallone’s early life in Hell’s Kitchen, New York, was far from glamorous.

Due to a nerve injury during his birth, he was left with a slurred speech and a drooping lower lip. His childhood was fraught with struggles, as he was raised in a broken home and often shuttled between foster homes. His parents, Jacqueline and Frank Stallone, divorced, further shaking Stallone’s already unstable world.

Despite these challenges, Stallone held a deep-seated passion for acting. He moved to Los Angeles in the early 1970s, scraping by with minor roles in TV shows and movies. Yet, the roles he truly sought were beyond his grasp. Stallone's unique speech and rugged looks often typecast him, and he struggled to break free from these narrow confines.

The Depth of Desperation

The gravity of Stallone’s financial situation became evident when he sold his beloved Bullmastiff, Butkus, for $50. The act was a desperate one, fueled by the fact that Stallone was down to his last $106. Stallone stated that he learned to live with the least amount of money. His apartment was a repurposed rickety van, a far cry from the glitzy Hollywood mansions.

The Italian Stallion

In 1970 Stallon was thrown out of his appartment and had to find shelter in a New York City bus station for several chilling winter days. Desperate and on the brink of destitution, he faced a dilemma: to rob for survival or to accept a role in a film that he would later describe as "horrendous". Opting for the lesser of two evils, Stallone decided with a heavy heart to take the role in a soft-porn comedy film that was years later renamed to “The Italian Stallion”.

In a later interview Sylvester stated:

“It was either do that movie or rob someone because I was at the end—at the very end—of my rope. Instead of doing something desperate, I worked two days for $200 and got myself out of the bus station”

Then came the boxing match that changed Stallone's life. In 1975, he watched an underdog, Chuck Wepner, hold his ground against the boxing legend, Muhammad Ali, for 15 grueling rounds. Inspired by Wepner's resilience, Stallone went home and drafted the script for "Rocky" in just three days.

The rocky Road to Success

Stallone envisioned "Rocky" as his gateway to Hollywood, but the journey was, well, rocky.

Most of the studios had no interest in his script and he got one refusal after the other, until finally ‘United Artists’ was willing to buy the story. Unfortunately, the studios was reluctant to have him star in the movie, since they wanted an actorthat had a more Hollywood-like look. The discussion went so far that they proposed a tantalizing $360,000 for the rights to his screenplay but insisted that he would not play the lead role — he declined.

The Taste of Victory

After much negotiation, the studio eventually relented. Stallone was given the opportunity to bring his character, Rocky Balboa, to life on screen. Reports say that Stallone was paid $20,000 for acting in the film, along with a share of the profits — which in the end would pay more than enough, as it turned out later .

"Rocky" premiered in 1976 and quickly became a phenomenon, raking in $117 million at the box office and around $225 million worldwide, making Stallone a multimillionaire and one of the most demanded actors.

In the years since the original "Rocky", Stallone has written, directed, and starred in many sequels and spin-offs, including the "Creed" movies, which have all been box-office successes.

As Stallone’s fame grew, so did his paychecks. For instance, he reportedly earned $15 million for "Rocky IV".
In addition to his direct earnings from each film, Stallone would also have earned money from merchandise, licensing deals, and other ancillary revenue streams associated with the franchise.

Without specific numbers, it’s hard to provide an accurate total for Stallone’s earnings from the "Rocky" franchise, but it’s safe to say that it has contributed significantly to his estimated net worth of over $400 million.

The Sweet Aftermath

Stallone, the man who had sold his dog due to poverty, was now a Hollywood star and he bought Butkus back for $3,000. Stallone’s belief in himself had paid off, launching a career that would see him become one of the most recognizable faces in Hollywood.

The "Rocky" franchise continued to captivate audiences and Stallone proved to Hollywood, and to the world, that an underdog could indeed become a champion.

So, what significant lessons can we draw from these experiences?

1. Embrace persistence. Ask yourself, how many of us truly commit to fighting for our success? Sometimes, it takes more than just a couple of attempts. If you aspire to surpass 90% of the masses, you need to outperform 90% of them.
2. Don’t settle for less. Are you convinced that you or your idea are worth more than what you’re being offered? Hold on to your vision and continue to push boundaries - always remembering to temper your ambitions with a dose of realism.
3. Cultivate self-belief. If you don’t trust in your capabilities, it’s unlikely others will. Of course, it’s crucial to do your homework and research the market, and validate your ideas. However, there are times when diverging from the norm could be the best strategy.
4. Inspire belief in others. If your idea doesn't align with current market trends, convincing others to trust in your vision becomes more critical and, admittedly, challenging.
5. Recognize when to call it quits. Inspiring tales like Stallone's may lead you to believe that perseverance alone guarantees success. However, not all ideas pan out. Ultimately, your concept should cater to a particular taste or solve a problem for a significant group, and it needs to be financially viable.
6. Stay humble during success. Even after reaching the pinnacle of success, remain grounded. You’ll come across as more relatable, and acknowledging your journey and achievements can be deeply gratifying.