In a web‑exclusive interview with CBS News correspondent Tracy Smith, veteran actor, writer and director Sylvester Stallone reflected on the formative moments of his career, the setbacks that hardened his resolve, and the decisive choices he made while bringing the iconic film “Rocky” to the screen.
Stallone traced his first foray into acting to a high‑school production of Arthur Miller’s “Death of a Salesman,” saying the experience sparked his fascination with performance and set him on a path toward a life in entertainment.
He recounted how a series of rejections early in his career taught him to become tougher, noting that each “no” reinforced his determination to keep pursuing his goals.
When Stallone completed the screenplay for “Rocky,” he refused to sell the script unless he could also portray the lead role, insisting that his personal connection to the character was essential for the story’s authenticity.
During the film’s production, Stallone continued to fight for his vision of Rocky Balboa, working closely with the director and crew to ensure the character remained true to the gritty, underdog spirit he had imagined.
<small>Source: CBS News — read the original story there.</small>