The legendary actor Sylvester Stallone, well known for playing Rocky Balboa, recently made a startling disclosure regarding the making of “Rocky IV.” Stallone said that he suffered severe injuries during a crucial moment in the film in a documentary that is accessible on his YouTube channel.
Stallone was struck hard in the chest during a fight sequence with Dolph Lundgren, who portrayed the tough Soviet fighter Ivan Drago. Looking back on the event, Stallone compared the hit to the force of being flung against a steering wheel following a collision. Even though he didn’t first recognize the depth of the damage, the accident caused him a great deal of suffering.
Stallone described his encounter in the documentary, saying, “He pulverized me.” Later that evening, though I was unaware of it at the time, I began to feel some tightness in my chest. The injuries turned out to be more severe than first believed. Stallone’s blood pressure soared to an alarming 260, raising questions about his health.
Consequently, Stallone was flown from Canada to Santa Monica, California’s St. John’s Hospital, where he was kept in the intensive care unit for four days. Stallone told a humorous story about his hospital stay, stating, “I’m in the intensive care unit, and the only other people here are nuns.” Stallone remained resolute in spite of the gravity of the situation. “I was then forced to return to the arena and complete the battle,” he said.
It’s interesting to note that Stallone’s injury scene was included in the finished version of the movie. Stallone said, “How could you possibly rule out that scene?” in defense of the choice. Stallone’s love for the “Rocky” franchise is evident in his unshakable devotion to his art and his commitment to authenticity.
The fourth entry in the adored series is “Rocky IV.” Rocky Balboa, played by Stallone, demonstrates in the movie that he is deserving of the title of world boxing champion. Balboa goes to the Soviet Union to face his enemy directly after hearing of his friend Apollo Creed’s tragic death at the hands of Drago.
Stallone’s disclosure deepens our understanding of the authenticity and intensity depicted in “Rocky IV.” It acts as a reminder of the amazing work that performers do to make captivating tales come to life on television. Even in the midst of hardship, Sylvester Stallone’s commitment to playing Rocky Balboa is a good example of the character’s spirit of tenacity and resolve.