From Vanity Fair · Monica Coviello · · 1m
Sylvester Stallone's Rocky Journey
Stallone's memoir reveals his early struggles from zoo work to gangster wedding.
In brief
Stallone's memoir reveals his early struggles from zoo work to gangster wedding. Stallone cleaned lion cages at Central Park Zoo before becoming a star. Originally reported by Vanity Fair.
Lion Cages at Central Park Zoo
Stallone cleaned lion cages at Central Park Zoo from 5:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. for three and a half weeks.
“Fifteen minutes later, I was in a lion cage with a hose, a scoop, and a shovel.”
Father and the Bell That Wouldn’t Ring
Stallone’s father refused to ring the bell during Rocky’s final fight with Apollo Creed.
“Ring the damn bell. Ring it!”
Gangster Wedding Costume
Stallone wore a 1920s gangster suit from Capone for his wedding to Sasha Czack.
“For my part, I had zero dress clothes, so I borrowed my double-breasted 1920s gangster suit from the Capone wardrobe department, spats, shoes, and all.”
Oscars and Family Conflict
Stallone’s mother declined to attend the Oscars after he invited her.
“You know my hairdresser, Vivian? Can I bring her? Then I can’t go.”
Rocky II Screenplay
Stallone’s father secretly sent a Rocky II screenplay to the producers.
“The title? Rocky II.”
Rocky’s Oscar Win
Rocky won best picture at the 1977 Oscars after Stallone’s memoir detailed his journey.
“Rocky was nominated for 10 Oscars.”
In short
Stallone cleaned lion cages at Central Park Zoo before becoming a star.
