Sylvester Stallone Reacts To Hulk Hogans Death, Shares Tales From ‘Rocky 3’ | TMZ
Sylvester Stallone Reacts To Hulk Hogan’s Death, Shares Untold Tales From Rocky III
The passing of Hulk Hogan has left a massive void in the world of professional wrestling and pop culture. But one of the most heartfelt tributes came from someone who knew Hogan not just as a wrestling icon, but as a scene partner, a colleague, and a friend — Sylvester Stallone.
Following the news of Hogan’s death, Stallone spoke out emotionally, sharing memories from their time filming Rocky III, where Hogan made his unforgettable big-screen debut as the larger-than-life character Thunderlips. What Stallone revealed wasn’t just touching — it offered a raw, behind-the-scenes glimpse of the real man behind the mustache and muscle.
🎬 “Thunderlips Was Born — And Nearly Killed Me”
Stallone recalled casting Hogan for Rocky III when Hogan was still relatively unknown outside the wrestling circuit. “I wanted someone outrageous, someone who could bring a cartoon to life,” Stallone said. “Hogan walked in, 6’7”, over 300 pounds, and moved like a panther. I knew instantly—he was Thunderlips.”
But filming with Hogan wasn’t all fun and games. During one particularly intense scene, Hogan performed a stunt so forcefully that he accidentally broke Stallone’s collarbone. Stallone didn’t hold it against him though. “He didn’t know his own strength. But he had complete control. That’s what amazed me most — for a guy his size, he was precise, almost surgical with his movements.”
🧠 A Performer with “Magic”
According to Stallone, Hogan was more than just muscle. “He was a performer. He understood timing, character, rhythm. The moment the camera rolled, he became something electric. You couldn’t look away.”
He recalled that Hogan improvised several of Thunderlips’ moves, injecting energy and spontaneity that Stallone said elevated the entire fight sequence. “He was fearless. And he made me look better just by being in the ring.”
💬 Stallone on Hogan’s Legacy: “Irreplaceable”
Reflecting on Hogan’s passing, Stallone was visibly emotional. “We lost more than a wrestler. We lost a symbol. Hogan brought something to the screen, and to the ring, that we’ll never see again.”
“He was a monster in size, a giant in presence — but always gentle in spirit. I’ll never forget his laugh, or the way he used to call everyone ‘brother.’ He meant it, too.”
Stallone also mentioned that Rocky III may have been a turning point for Hogan’s mainstream fame. “That movie wasn’t just a stepping stone for him — it was a launchpad. And he ran with it.”
🤝 A Friendship Beyond the Camera
Though their time on screen together was brief, Stallone and Hogan stayed in contact over the years. Stallone admitted that Hogan’s death felt personal. “We shared something special on that set. When I heard the news, I felt like a piece of my past disappeared. He was part of the fabric of an era.”
🧩 Final Thoughts
Sylvester Stallone’s tribute reminds us that Hulk Hogan’s impact went far beyond wrestling. He was a showman, a workhorse, and a star in every sense of the word. Their collaboration on Rocky III wasn’t just a cinematic moment — it was a collision of legends. And according to Stallone, Hogan left the world the same way he entered it: larger than life and impossible to forget.
Rest in Power, Hulk Hogan. You bodyslammed your way into history — and our hearts.
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