Sylvester Stallone, the iconic ’80s action star known for his roles in franchises like “Rocky” and “Rambo,”
recently spoke candidly about his career longevity at the world premiere of his biographical documentary, “Sly.”
The 77-year-old actor, who still headlines major movies, including the upcoming fourth installment of
“The Expendables” and the Paramount+ series “Tulsa King,” referred to himself as “the last of the dinosaurs”
in the realm of ’80s action stars.
Stallone expressed amazement at the enduring nature of his career, especially in an ever-evolving entertainment
industry. He acknowledged that the speed of change in society and the commercial aspects of cinema have made career longevity a rare commodity.
He proudly embraced his status as one of the few remaining icons from the ’80s action era, acknowledging that
it’s been nearly 50 years since he entered the industry. Reflecting on the ’80s action movie landscape,
Stallone discussed the shift that stars like Arnold Schwarzenegger brought to the genre. He noted that action
films at the time were often focused on car chases or intellectual elements, but Schwarzenegger and he changed
that by relying more on their physicality to tell stories. Stallone credited Schwarzenegger as a pioneer in this
transformation, emphasizing that dialogue became less necessary.
He humorously compared his action hero persona to Schwarzenegger’s, highlighting that his characters often endured more physical punishment. He jokingly remarked that Schwarzenegger could fight a dragon and return with just a Band-Aid.
Stallone also touched on his sometimes competitive relationship with Schwarzenegger, stating that they both had a competitive nature. While they may have competed at the box office, their rivalry ultimately led to a strong friendship.
READ ALSO: Dr Uchenna Okoye passes away after sudden illness.
As Stallone continues to thrive in Hollywood, he acknowledges the unique position he holds among his fellow ’80s action
stars, and he looks forward to spending more quality time with loved ones during the remaining chapters of his
illustrious career.
“Expend4bles” hits theaters on September 22, while “Sly” will stream on Netflix starting November 3.
