“When you know what you want and you want it badly enough, you will find the ways to get it. ” – Jim Rohn

Sylvester Stallone’s inspiring story is a great example of persistence and dedication that finally results in unimaginable success. Rose from an almost impossible situation to fame. The Sylvester Stallone story is a true rags to riches tale.

The Sylvester Stallone story is rather inspirational. I aim to give a bit of a reminder to everyone that no matter what circumstances you may find yourself in, there is always a way to turn things around if you’re committed. If knee deep in debt and you are knocking on the door to debt consolidation, the next door could be knocking on is your dream home.

Read the story and let your mind fathom how your dreams can be realized with enough willpower and determination.

Who is Sylvester Stallone?

Actor, writer, director, producer. Sylvester Stallone is one of the most popular Hollywood action stars of all time, playing such iconic characters as John Rambo and Rocky Balboa. Stallone got his start writing and starring in Rocky. The film was a smash, receiving ten Oscar nods and winning for Best Picture. Stallone’s career took off from there, gaining action star icon status.

Early Life

Born on July 6, 1946 in New York City. His trademark droopy visage was the result of a forceps accident at the time of his birth. Not a lot of people know this, but due to complications during labor, the lower left side of Stallone’s face is paralyzed, including parts of his tongue, lip and chin. This incident at birth is the cause of his trademark snarling look and his slurred manner of speaking.

Stallone had a difficult childhood. Both he and younger brother Frank were adversely affected by their parents’ hostile relationship, which later ended in divorce. Although he was eventually reunited with them, his troubled past and his oddly paralyzed face made him an outcast among his classmates. He often received suspensions for his frequent fights, poor grades, and behavior problems.

His Education

Sylvester spent some time in foster care. He eventually ended up in Philadelphia, living with his mother and her second husband. There Stallone struggled emotionally and academically. After his expulsion from several schools, he attended a special high school for troubled youth.

After graduation, Stallone eventually went on to college. First, he attended the American College in Switzerland where he studied drama. Stallone then went to the University of Miami, again choosing to focus on the dramatic arts. He left school before completing his degree to go to New York City to pursue an acting career.

Aspiring Actor

While waited for his acting career to take off, Stallone worked all sorts of jobs to make ends meed. Hard times and a lack of income resulted in the actor getting evicted from his apartment. As a result he was forced to live on the streets for close to three weeks.

He cleaned up the lions’ cages at the Central Park Zoo, ushered at a movie theater, and eventually he came across a casting call for a soft core pornography film; out of desperation he attended the casting call. He made an appearance in an adult film called A Party Kitty and Studs (1970). For two days of filming the actor received $200.

According to Stallone ” it was either do that movie or rob someone, because I was at the end, the very end of my rope”.

He tried out for nearly each and every casting call he could, and contacted as many casting agents as he could find, with no victory. After numerous failed attempts he made the decision to try his had at writing various screenplays.

After numerous failed attempts he found himself broke once again. IN an act of desperation he waited outside of a local liquor store asking people if they would buy his dog; his closest and best friend. In the end someone bought his dog for roughly $50. Stallone was extremely devastated that his life had come to that point.

With option few and far between he began to run out of money. By now he was desperate to get a job but he still was not ready to settle on just any job. He wanted to be an actor and that was what he had mind set on.

Inspiration to write a script

Walking in the cold streets of New York City he wandered into the local library to warm up. While he browsed through the many books he discovered some of the best classics by many famous writers which inspired him to work harder on his screenplays and various writings.

One day Stallone was sitting at home watching a fight between Weppner and Ali. Weppner was getting absolutely slaughtered but kept holding his ground and coming back for more. This underdog was really fighting for it despite the slim chance he would even get close to winning.

This inspired Stallone to begin writing based on his inspiration from this fighter. He wrote for over 24 hours straight and after this time he had written the entire script to Rocky.

He tried to sell the script with the intention of playing the lead role. However, months passed with enormous rejections from many producers, until eventually someone loved it and they agreed to do the movie. He was wrapped and told them that he wanted to play the part of Rocky.

They declined and told him he was a writer not an actor. There is a story that Stallone had been offered more than a hundred thousand dollars for his script as long as someone else could take the lead role, but he refused. He was so sure in his heart that this part was meant for him and him alone. He refused to compromise.

Persistent to get the Role

A couple of weeks later they contacted him with an even higher offer and Stallone still insisted that he play Rocky. The once again declined. Was he nuts? I mean the man was poor, he could barely even eat.

The offer kept rising just so he would sell them the film without playing the part. The price eventually got around $400,000 and still he declined. He was certain that he was actor and that was it, there was no compromise.

Finally the studio agreed to allow Stallone to proceed with the film, provided that it was made on a shoestring budget. Eventually they offered Stallone a measly $25000. Stallone accepted the deal so they weren’t throwing their money away by having him as the lead role. He accepted. Then the first thing he did was go back to the liquor store to buy back his dog.

He waited 3 days for the guy to come by and finally there he was with his dog. He offered the guy $150 to buy back the dog, the man declined. The offer kept rising, but again, Stallone knew his outcome and kept pursuing his goal.

It ended up costing him $15000 and a part in the movie to buy back his dog. The guy and the dog are in Rocky.

A Big Break To Stallone’s Acting Career

As you all probably know what happened with the Rocky movie. It became a world commercial success and Oscar Winner. The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards in all, and went on to win the Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Directing and Best Film Editing.

The sequel, Rocky II was released a few years later and also became a major success. The film series has grossed more than $1.25 billion at the worldwide box office.

At the awards ceremony he read out all the rejection slips from those who said the film would be sappy, predictable and a film that no one would want to watch.

Parting Words

How’s that for a story of triumph? It shows that you have all the resources you need to overcome any obstacle and achieve any aim you have in life, no matter what your age, background, colour or gender is.

True persistence pays off every time in every circumstance. Persistence will fight off failure faster than skill or luck ever could. Just ask Sylvester Stallone, He persisted and knew his outcome and look where he is today, he is living his dream.

Sylvester Stallone achieved his success because he always believed in himself and his vision. He never gave up and kept trying and trying until he made it. For me, Sylvester Stallone is one of the best demonstration of how persistence can overcome all manner of obstacles with impossible odds.

Live Your Dreams,