Sylvester Stallone remembers Hulk Hogan as an irreplaceable talent and force, reflecting on their memorable "Rocky III" collaboration.
Sylvester Stallone shared his thoughts following the news of WWE legend Hulk Hogan’s passing. In a videointerview with TMZ posted on June 25, Stallone reflected on their work together in the 1982 film Rocky III, highlighting Hogan’s early career and personality.
The actor recalled Hogan’s presence on set, describing how he immediately stood out with an unmistakable glow and powerful energy.
“He just came in, and you knew this guy had a glow about him,”
Stallone said of Hogan.
“He was a force to be reckoned with.”
Stallone pointed out that Hogan was only beginning his path to fame during the filming, but his enthusiasm was already apparent.
“This fellow was very, he was just at the beginning of his career,”
Stallone added.
“He hadn’t quite come into his own yet, so we got him at a point where he was so enthusiastic.”
Despite Hogan’s impressive physique, weighing about 315 pounds at the time, Stallone noted his intelligence and willingness to contribute positively to the film.
“He had his deep, calming voice, and he was willing to do anything that would make the show better,”
Stallone explained.
Hogan’s Casting Was Met with Skepticism but Proved Perfect
Stallone revealed that Hogan was not initially the obvious choice for the role in Rocky III. Many producers hesitated due to Hogan’s size.
“Now, no one at first, no one wanted him because he was too big,”
Stallone recounted to host Harvey Levin.
However, Stallone saw Hogan’s size as an asset, reflecting on the David and Goliath theme central to the film’s story.
“Now, at first no one wanted him because he was too big, but I said, ‘That’s the whole point, it’s like David and Goliath.’ The bigger the better, so he showed up in magnificent shape.”
Stallone shared memories from their training sessions, emphasizing Hogan’s physical strength and surprising agility despite his size.
“We started to roll around and he would literally pick me up and drop me to the ground and I thought, ‘I’m going to be literally a pulp by the time I land,’
Stallone recalled.
Image of: Sylvester Stallone
“And yet, he would always break the fall. He would do things that you wouldn’t see, like a magician.”
He also praised Hogan’s precision as a fighter during rehearsed scenes.
“I’ll say, I’ve had a lot of punches thrown at me,”
Stallone said.
“No one was more accurate and precise than him. It was extraordinary for a man that size.”
Concluding the topic, Stallone described Hogan as irreplaceable and expressed sorrow over his passing.
Stallone’s Public Tribute Following Hulk Hogan’s Death
Hulk Hogan passed away at age 76 on June 24 while residing in Clearwater, Florida. Soon after the announcement, Stallone shared a heartfelt tribute on social media, posting a photo of the two from their time on Rocky III.
“I had the pleasure of meeting this brilliant personality and showman when he was 26 years old,”
Stallone wrote.
He continued, acknowledging Hogan’s talent and the special role he played in the film.
“He was absolutely wonderful and his amazing skill made Rocky three incredibly special. My heart breaks. I think that he’s gone…”
The Enduring Impact of Hulk Hogan’s Career and Their Bond
Stallone’s reflections highlight not only Hogan’s physical presence but also his charm and dedication, which left a lasting mark both on Rocky III and on those who worked with him. Their collaboration symbolized the merging of professional wrestling and Hollywood, opening doors for future crossover stars.
With Hogan’s passing, fans and colleagues alike remember a figure who was larger than life in and out of the ring. Stallone’s tribute underlines the genuine respect he had for Hogan’s contributions to entertainment and his unique spirit during their early days together. The legacy they built remains influential in both sports and film circles.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Was Sylvester Stallone in the military?
A. Sylvester Stallone did not serve in the military. In 1969, he could have been drafted since he was a student, but he was excused due to reported partial paralysis in his face.
