In a behind-the-scenes reveal, Sylvester Stallone shared a shocking moment from filming Rocky IV. During a fight scene with Dolph Lundgren, who played the towering Soviet boxer Ivan Drago, Stallone took a punch so powerful it landed him in intensive care.
Stallone compared the impact to being slammed into a steering wheel in a car crash. Though he felt fine at first, his blood pressure later spiked to 260, leading doctors to believe his life was at risk. He was airlifted from Canada to St. John’s Hospital in California, where he spent four days in the ICU.
Despite the scare, Stallone insisted on keeping the scene, which he called vital to showcasing Rocky Balboa’s resilience against Drago. The film, a pivotal installment in the Rocky franchise, follows Balboa’s quest for revenge after the death of his friend Apollo Creed, culminating in an epic showdown in the Soviet Union.
This glimpse into Stallone’s ordeal underscores the grit and dedication behind creating an iconic film like Rocky IV. It’s a reminder to us all that life, much like the movies, is full of challenges—but with resilience and determination, we can rise above them. Here’s to facing life’s punches with courage and finding strength in every round. Stay strong, and keep fighting for your dreams!