Meeting Sylvester Stallone on his 37th birthday, Metro's deputy TV editor found the 80-year-old Oscar nominee relaxed and at ease, a contrast to the action hero image he projected in the 1980s. Stallone, who plays mobster Dwight Manfredi in Tulsa King season 4, said the role was liberating because it didn't require the same physicality as his earlier work.
A break from physical roles
Stallone described maintaining his physicality as 'an albatross around my throat,' explaining that he constantly had to be aware of his body and how it was functioning. He noted that First Blood, the first Rambo film, was the best of the series because it wasn't based on physicality but on emotion, whereas the sequels accentuated a supernatural quality, which he felt was a mistake.
Playing Dwight allows Stallone to show the 'pitfalls of ageing,' and he joked that he simply shows up to set as himself, acting as if he were a gangster in a nice suit. When he first met show creator Taylor Sheridan, the character was envisioned as a far more imposing figure, but Stallone suggested adding softness and humour to make Dwight more palatable, a concept Sheridan agreed to.
Enjoying the ride
Stallone said he never expected to become so attached to a character so late in his career, but the show is going into its fifth season, and he noted that time has flown because he's enjoying it. He also mentioned that working with actors like Sam Jackson is competitive, comparing it to a big tennis tournament where everyone wants to show the other up.
Despite his love for Dwight, Stallone remains proud of his work on Rocky, Rambo, and Demolition Man, which he thinks would make a great streaming series. He also defended Rhinestone, the 1984 musical rom-com starring Dolly Parton, which was heavily criticised at the time.
Defending Rhinestone
'You know, I got excoriated for Rhinestone,' Stallone said. 'I wanted to be the biggest fool there is because I was supposed to be [playing] that kind of guy.' He recalled telling Dolly Parton he was going for it, and while the audience hated the film, he loved it. He noted that the film is hard to find today, unlike Stop, Or My Mom Will Shoot, despite Parton's iconic status.
Stallone praised Parton as 'so generous and smart and loving and funny,' saying she was unbelievable. Tulsa King returns for its fourth season on Paramount Plus on Friday, October 16.
