Sylvester Stallone Shares Story of Getting Punched by Kirk Douglas on ‘Oscar’ Set

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Sylvester Stallone recounted an amusing but slightly painful experience from the 1991 movie Oscar during a talk at the American Film Institute. The film featured Kirk Douglas playing Stallone’s father, and a scene required Douglas to playfully slap Stallone for the cameras.

Stallone recounted that during the scene, Douglas kept his eyes squeezed shut while swinging, frequently missing the mark. To playfully motivate Douglas, Stallone challenged him, saying, “Kirk, ever since Rocky came out, you’ve wanted to hit me. Here’s your chance! Go ahead, give me your best shot—I can handle it.”

Stallone initially made a playful comment about wanting to deliver a strong performance like Kirk Douglas, but Douglas responded with genuine intensity. Stallone remembers Douglas hitting him with a series of forceful punches, and the director actually liked it, calling for another take. Stallone protested, saying he was getting hurt.

Stallone revealed that Michael Douglas was once a contender to play Rambo – the role that ultimately launched Stallone’s career. When they finally collaborated on the film Oscar, any previous friction between them had disappeared, though Douglas still brought his characteristic energy to the set.

Even though things got a little heated, Stallone shared his strong respect for Douglas, explaining that Douglas was the actor he admired most growing up. He said that seeing Douglas perform was a major reason he decided to pursue a career in film, and jokingly added, “Whatever you do, don’t cross Michael’s father!”

Sylvester Stallone’s experience shows the strong bond actors can have, even during tough and physically demanding work. It’s a reminder that making movies – whether funny or serious – usually involves a combination of enjoyment, difficulty, and mutual respect.

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2025-10-29 17:15