One of the most durable Hollywood action stars, Sylvester Stallone has been in the business for more than 40 years and from the looks of it, he continues to thrive.
In addition to being a very successful actor, Stallone has added being a successful writer and director to his Hollywood mantle.
Consequence of Sound notes however that it is in acting however where Sly Stallone got critically-acclaimed performances and obviously his real bread and butter.
At 69 years old, Stallone is well known for his Hollywood action roles, the most notable of which are his portrayal of the boxer Rocky Balboa in his “Rocky” movie series and soldier John Rambo from the “Rambo” film franchise.
He was the one who wrote every episode of the two eponymous franchises and directed some of their installments as well.
Nationally acclaimed
Stallone’s film “Rocky” was actually inducted into the National Film Registry and had its film probs placed in the Smithsonian Museum.
The actor’s use of the front entrance to the Philadelphia Museum of Art while training for his fights in the “Rocky” series led to the area being named as the Rocky Steps.
The city of Philadelphia has also put up a statue of his Rocky character permanently near the museum. Though he never was an amateur or professional boxer, it was officially announced on December 7, 2010 that Stallone was voted into boxing’s prestigious Hall of Fame.
Stallone has been nominated for two Academy Awards for “Rocky” – one for Best Original Screenplay, and the other for Best Actor. He became only the third man in history to receive these two nominations for the same film, following the gigantic footsteps of film greats Charles Chaplin and Orson Welles.
Versatile actor
While Stallone has been identified more for his iconic action roles in “Rocky,” “Rambo,” and lately “The Expendables” series, he has had his turn at comedy, drama, animated films and musicals too. Sly is such a versatile actor which ensured his durability in his long and bizarre career.
This week also marks the 30th anniversary of three of the great films of Stallone in 1985. Consequence of Sound dissects Stallone’s iconic performances during that year for the movies “Rhinestones,” “Rambo: First Blood Part II” and “Rocky IV.”
Stallone starred in “Rhinestones” along with Dolly Parton, Richard Fansworth and Rob Leibman. The film was directed by Bob Clark and it’s about country chanteuse Jake, played by Dolly Parton, working to get out of her contract with manager, played by Rob Leiman, by betting that she can turn anyone to become the next huge Nashville star. The protégé turns out to be the tough-talking cab driver Nick, played by Stallone.
“Rhinestones” was a clear departure of Stallone from his previous high-energy action films including “Rocky,” “Nighthawks,” and “First Blood.” It was his first foray into high-budget comedy and his first and only crack at musical comedy.