Sylvester Stallone, the legendary actor known for his iconic portrayal of Rocky Balboa, recently shared a shocking revelation about the filming of “Rocky IV.” In a documentary available on his YouTube account, Stallone disclosed that he was seriously injured during a pivotal scene in the movie.
During a fight scene with Dolph Lundgren, who played the formidable Soviet boxer Ivan Drago, Stallone received a powerful blow to the chest. The impact was described by Stallone as similar to the force of being thrown against a steering wheel after a car accident. Although he initially didn’t realize the extent of the damage, Stallone began to feel discomfort in his chest later that night.
Reflecting on the incident, Stallone shared his experience, stating, “He pulverized me. I started feeling some discomfort in my chest later that night, though I didn’t notice it at the time.” The injury turned out to be more serious than expected, as Stallone’s blood pressure skyrocketed to a staggering 260, leading to concerns for his well-being.
As a result, Stallone was urgently transported from Canada to St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, California, where he spent four days in the intensive care unit. Despite the seriousness of the situation, Stallone’s determination didn’t waver. He humorously recalled his time in the hospital, saying, “I’m in the intensive care unit, and the only other people here are nuns.” Stallone’s unwavering commitment to his craft was evident as he said, “I was then forced to return to the arena and complete the battle.”
Interestingly, the scene in which Stallone was injured made it into the final cut of the film. Defending the decision, Stallone asked, “How could you possibly rule out that scene?” This commitment to authenticity and his unwavering dedication to his craft are testaments to Stallone’s passion for the “Rocky” franchise.
“Rocky IV” is the fourth installment in the beloved series. In the film, Stallone’s character, Rocky Balboa, proves himself worthy of the title of world boxing champion. Upon learning of his friend Apollo Creed’s untimely demise at the hands of Drago, Balboa travels to the Soviet Union to confront his adversary head-on.
Stallone’s revelation adds a new layer of appreciation for the intensity and realism captured in “Rocky IV.” It serves as a reminder of the incredible efforts made by actors to bring riveting stories to life on the silver screen. Sylvester Stallone’s dedication to his role as Rocky Balboa, even in the face of adversity, exemplifies the spirit of perseverance and determination that the character embodies.
