Sylvester Stallone, the legendary actor renowned for his portrayal of Rocky Balboa, recently shared a jaw-dropping revelation about the making of the iconic boxing film, “Rocky IV.” In a documentary available on his YouTube account, Stallone unveiled that he had sustained a severe injury during a crucial scene in the movie.
During a fight sequence with Dolph Lundgren, who played the formidable Soviet boxer Ivan Drago, Stallone received a powerful blow to the chest. Reflecting on the incident, Stallone likened the impact to that of being thrown against a steering wheel in a car accident. While he experienced some discomfort in his chest later that night, Stallone initially didn’t realize the seriousness of the injury.
In the documentary, 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 severe than anticipated, as Stallone’s blood pressure skyrocketed to an astonishing 260, causing 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. Recounting his time in the hospital, Stallone humorously remarked, “I’m in the intensive care unit, and the only other people here are nuns.” Despite the gravity of the situation, Stallone’s determination never wavered. He emphasized, “I was then compelled 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 this decision, Stallone asked, “How could you possibly rule out that scene?” This unwavering commitment to authenticity and his relentless dedication to his craft exemplify Stallone’s passion for the beloved “Rocky” franchise.
“Rocky IV” is the fourth installment in the beloved series. In the film, Rocky Balboa, played by Stallone, exemplifies his worthiness for 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 another layer of appreciation for the intensity and realism captured in “Rocky IV.” It serves as a reminder of the incredible efforts exerted by actors to bring captivating stories to life on the silver screen. Sylvester Stallone’s dedication to his role as Rocky Balboa, even in the face of adversity, embodies the spirit of perseverance and determination that the character symbolizes.
