The Single Actor Sylvester Stallone Still “Refuses To Work With”

Sylvester Stallone has built an incredible legacy in Hollywood by playing characters who never back down from a fight. While his on screen battles against giants are legendary his real life friction with another leading man remains a fascinating piece of industry history. This tension dates back several decades to a time when both stars were just starting to find their footing in the film world. It involves a specific conflict that effectively ensured they would never share a screen again.

The animosity began on the set of the movie ‘The Lords of Flatbush’ in the early seventies. At that time Richard Gere was originally cast to play the role of Chico. Stallone was already attached to the project and the two were expected to work closely together as part of a street gang. However the chemistry between the two actors was volatile from the very beginning of the rehearsal process.

Stallone has been very vocal about his initial impressions of Gere during those early days. He felt that his costar had an attitude that rubbed everyone the wrong way. The actor once remarked that “He would strut around in his oversized motorcycle jacket like he was the baddest knight at the round table.” This perception of arrogance created a thick atmosphere of tension that only worsened as the production continued.

The situation eventually reached a boiling point during a lunch break while the cast was filming on location. Both actors were sitting in the back of a car trying to stay warm and eat their food. Stallone was enjoying a hot dog while Gere had a greasy chicken sandwich covered in mustard. Stallone warned him not to get any of the condiment on his clothes.

Gere apparently ignored the warning or simply did not care about the potential mess. A large glob of mustard landed right on Stallone’s trousers which triggered an immediate physical response. Stallone recalled the moment vividly describing how he reacted to the spill. He stated “I forced my elbow into his head and basically pushed him out of the car.”

This physical altercation was the final straw for the production team who realized they could not have both men on the set. The friction was distracting from the work and threatened to derail the entire movie. A difficult decision had to be made regarding which actor would remain with the project. Stallone explained that “The director had to make a choice. One of us had to go, one of us had to stay.”

Ultimately the production chose to keep Stallone and let Gere go. Perry King was eventually hired to take over the role of Chico. This dismissal left a permanent mark on the relationship between the two Hollywood heavyweights. Stallone has noted that “Richard was given his walking papers and to this day he seriously dislikes me.”

The feud did not end with the firing as rumors continued to swirl for years. Stallone later claimed that Gere believed he was responsible for spreading a particularly strange urban legend about a gerbil. This rumor followed Gere for much of his career and caused significant personal distress. Stallone has denied having anything to do with the story but the damage to their professional relationship was already permanent.

Since those early days Stallone has become a global icon through franchises like ‘Rocky’ and ‘Rambo’. He transitioned from a struggling writer and actor into one of the most bankable action stars in history. His work often focuses on themes of resilience and the underdog spirit. Even in his later years he continues to find success on both the small and large screens.

Recently Stallone has been starring in the hit series ‘Tulsa King’ where he plays a mafia capo sent to Oklahoma. The show has been a major success for streaming platforms and has been a cornerstone of his modern career. He also appeared in the reality series ‘The Family Stallone’ which gives fans a look into his personal life. There are also frequent discussions about a potential sequel to his classic mountain climbing thriller ‘Cliffhanger’.

Richard Gere also went on to have an incredibly successful career despite the early setback. He became a major leading man in the eighties and nineties with hits like ‘American Gigolo’ and ‘Pretty Woman’. His work in ‘Chicago’ even earned him a Golden Globe award for his performance. Gere has shifted his focus toward more dramatic and independent roles in recent years.

Gere recently starred in the film ‘Oh, Canada’ which premiered at major film festivals. This project reunited him with director Paul Schrader and received significant attention from critics. He is also set to appear in the television series ‘The Agency’. This show is a political thriller that features an impressive ensemble cast.

Despite their individual successes the two men have never buried the hatchet. They have avoided working together for over fifty years. This rivalry serves as a reminder that even the biggest stars have personal limits and professional grudges. The history of cinema is full of such stories but few are as enduring as this one.

Both actors have influenced generations of performers through their distinct styles. Stallone remains the face of blue collar grit while Gere is known for his sophisticated charm. Their inability to reconcile is a unique footnote in their respective biographies. It shows that first impressions and a bit of mustard can change the course of professional history.

Stallone is currently busy with various production projects through his company. He has also been active on social media sharing behind the scenes looks at his fitness routine. Fans are always waiting to see if he will return for another installment of ‘The Expendables’ franchise. His energy and dedication to his craft show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

Richard Gere continues to balance his acting career with significant humanitarian work. He is a well known advocate for various social causes and remains active in international activism. His filmography continues to grow with projects that challenge his range as an actor. Even without a reconciliation with Stallone his legacy is firmly established in Hollywood lore.

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