Upgrade to Pro

Early in his career, Sylvester Stallone was so low on cash, he was forced to sell his dog, Butkus, for $40. When he sold the script for 'Rocky', he bought the dog back for $15K and gave him a role in the movie.

About 5 years ago, Stallone shared the story of his beloved dog Butkus during a tough stretch in 1971. "When I was 26, totally broke, going nowhere VERY fast, owned two pairs of pants that barely fit, shoes that had holes in them, and dreams of being successful were as far away as the sun... But I had my dog, BUTKUS, my best friend, my confidant, who always laughed at my jokes and put up with my moods, and was the one living thing that loved me for who I was!"

"We were both thin, hungry, and living in a flophouse above a subway stop. I used to say this apartment had… Hot and cold running roaches. When things got even worse, I had to sell him for $40 in front of a 7-Eleven store because I couldn't afford food. Then, like a modern-day miracle, the screenplay for Rocky sold, and I could buy him back. But the new owner knew I was desperate and charged me $15,000... He was worth every penny!"

Rocky won an Oscar, the two never separated, and Butkus even got to star in the first two movies before his death in 1981.
Early in his career, Sylvester Stallone was so low on cash, he was forced to sell his dog, Butkus, for $40. When he sold the script for 'Rocky', he bought the dog back for $15K and gave him a role in the movie. About 5 years ago, Stallone shared the story of his beloved dog Butkus during a tough stretch in 1971. "When I was 26, totally broke, going nowhere VERY fast, owned two pairs of pants that barely fit, shoes that had holes in them, and dreams of being successful were as far away as the sun... But I had my dog, BUTKUS, my best friend, my confidant, who always laughed at my jokes and put up with my moods, and was the one living thing that loved me for who I was!" "We were both thin, hungry, and living in a flophouse above a subway stop. I used to say this apartment had… Hot and cold running roaches. When things got even worse, I had to sell him for $40 in front of a 7-Eleven store because I couldn't afford food. Then, like a modern-day miracle, the screenplay for Rocky sold, and I could buy him back. But the new owner knew I was desperate and charged me $15,000... He was worth every penny!" Rocky won an Oscar, the two never separated, and Butkus even got to star in the first two movies before his death in 1981.
Like
754
·93K Views