Sylvester Stallone celebrated May Day by reminiscing about one of his first breakthrough roles, 1974’s The Lords of Flatbush.
The 77-year-old actor – who recently announced a tell-all memoir – took to Instagram on Wednesday, the 50th anniversary of the film, which was released on May 1, 1974.
He shared three snaps from the film, which helped spawn revitalized interested in 1950s ‘greaser’ culture, alongside co-stars Paul Mace, Henry Winkler and Perry King.
‘Reflecting on 50 incredible years since The Lords of Flatbush took to the big screen,’ Stallone began in his caption.
‘Crafting this film was more than just a job—it was a journey of friendship, growth, and passion,’ he added.
Sylvester Stallone celebrated May Day by reminiscing about one of his first breakthrough roles, 1974’s The Lords of Flatbush
The 77-year-old actor – who recently announced a tell-all memoir – took to Instagram on Wednesday, the 50th anniversary of the film, which was released on May 1, 1974
He shared three snaps from the film, which helped spawn revitalized interested in 1950s ‘greaser’ culture, alongside co-stars Paul Mace, Henry Winkler and Perry King
‘I’m grateful for the friendships forged and the timeless experiences shared. Here’s to half a century of cherished moments and lifelong bonds,’ he concluded.
The Lords of Flatbush is set in 1958, following four lower-middle-class teenagers who have dubbed themselves the title group.
Stallone played Stanley Rosiello, with Perry King playing Chico Tyrell, Henry Winkler playing Butchey Weinstein and Mace playing Wimpy Murgalo.
The fearsome foursome spend their days getting into trouble in the Flatbush neighborhood of Brooklyn, though the coming-of-age story shows how they eventually mature.
Stallone was said to have been at a low point in his acting career and was considering giving up entirely, after failing to land even an extra role on The Godfather.
An agent saw Stallone’s acting in a play, and thought he would be a great fit for the Stanley Rosiello character.
The production took place over a two-year stretch between 1972 to 1974, with Winkler stating when he landed the role of Arthur Fonzarelli in Happy Days, he based that character on Stallone’s Stanley Rosiello.
Interestingly enough, another future star was originally cast – Richard Gere – who was initially set to play Chico, though he ultimately clashed with Stallone.
‘I’m grateful for the friendships forged and the timeless experiences shared. Here’s to half a century of cherished moments and lifelong bonds,’ he concluded
The Lords of Flatbush is set in 1958, following four lower-middle-class teenagers who have dubbed themselves the title group
Interestingly enough, another future star was originally cast – Richard Gere – who was initially set to play Chico, though he ultimately clashed with Stallone
‘One day, during an improv, he grabbed me (we were simulating a fight scene) and got a little carried away. I told him in a gentle fashion to lighten up, but he was completely in character and impossible to deal with,’ Stallone said
‘We never hit it off. He would strut around in his oversized motorcycle jacket like he was the baddest knight at the round table,’ Stallone said in a 2006 interview.
‘One day, during an improv, he grabbed me (we were simulating a fight scene) and got a little carried away. I told him in a gentle fashion to lighten up, but he was completely in character and impossible to deal with,’ Stallone said.
‘Then we were rehearsing at Coney Island and it was lunchtime, so we decided to take a break, and the only place that was warm was in the backseat of a Toyota,’ he continued.
‘I was eating a hotdog and he climbs in with a half a chicken covered in mustard with grease nearly dripping out of the aluminum wrapper. I said, “That thing is going to drip all over the place,”‘ Stallone added.
‘He said, “Don’t worry about it.” I said, “If it gets on my pants you’re gonna know about it.” He proceeds to bite into the chicken and a small, greasy river of mustard lands on my thigh,’ Stallone explained.
‘I elbowed him in the side of the head and basically pushed him out of the car. The director had to make a choice: one of us had to go, one of us had to stay. Richard was given his walking papers and to this day seriously dislikes me,’ he concluded.
