Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky IV Near-Death Accident: ‘My Heart Was Swelling, and I Was Headed to Intensive Care’

Sylvester Stallone, known for his role as the iconic action hero Rocky Balboa, has lived through some of the most intense and dangerous film moments in Hollywood history. But according to the actor himself, one of the most perilous events took place while filming Rocky IV—an event that nearly cost him his life. Stallone, who is celebrated for performing his own stunts, revealed in a recent Netflix documentary that he came alarmingly close to death during the filming of a pivotal fight scene.

The Incident: A Punch That Could Have Killed Him

During one of the film’s legendary boxing sequences, where Stallone’s character, Rocky Balboa, faces off against the menacing Ivan Drago, played by Dolph Lundgren, an unexpected mishap occurred. While shooting the fight scenes, Lundgren struck Stallone with a punch so powerful that it knocked him unconscious. As Stallone candidly explained, “He pulverized me,” recalling the impact that nearly ended his life.

The blow was not just a typical punch—Lundgren’s strike was so forceful that it sent Stallone into a state of unconsciousness, rendering him completely unresponsive. Despite the intense action on set, neither Stallone nor the crew fully realized the severity of the injury in the moment. However, as the night wore on, Stallone began to feel the effects of the blow more profoundly.

From the Set to Intensive Care

What followed was a terrifying medical emergency. After being knocked out, Stallone was rushed from the film set in Vancouver to a hospital in Santa Monica, California. “I didn’t feel it in the moment,” he recalled, “but later that night, my heart started to swell. My blood pressure went up to 260, and I was going to be talking to angels.”

The gravity of the situation became clear when Stallone was flown on an emergency, low-altitude flight to receive medical attention. He found himself in intensive care, surrounded by nuns, as doctors worked to stabilize him. Despite the potentially fatal situation, Stallone was determined to finish the job. Incredibly, after his recovery, he returned to the set to complete the film’s climactic fight scene.

A Career of Hardships: The Toll of Action Films

Stallone’s harrowing experience on the Rocky IV set was not an isolated incident in his action-packed career. Known for doing his own stunts, Stallone has faced multiple physical challenges over the years. His role in The Expendables, for example, left him needing seven major surgeries due to the intense physical demands of the film.

Reflecting on his career, Stallone acknowledged the lasting impact these grueling stunts had on his body. “I never recovered from The Expendables,” he shared, explaining that after completing the film, he was never physically the same. He even advised others not to follow in his footsteps, saying, “I warn people, ‘Don’t do your own stunts.’” The toll of performing these stunts, especially as he aged, has left him with ongoing physical pain and challenges, though he remains an enduring symbol of strength and resilience in Hollywood.

A Legacy of Survival and Strength

Stallone’s near-death experience while filming Rocky IV only adds to the legend of his tough-as-nails persona, both on and off the screen. His willingness to push through immense physical pain and near-death experiences to finish the film only further solidified his status as an action hero and a symbol of perseverance.

Now, decades later, Stallone’s reflection on his experiences serves as a reminder of the dangers of action filmmaking and the physical toll it can take on actors. His story also highlights the sacrifices many action stars make to bring their characters to life and entertain audiences worldwide.

Despite the pain and hardships, Stallone remains a beloved figure in the entertainment industry, with fans admiring his strength, tenacity, and enduring spirit. From nearly dying on the Rocky IV set to continuing his career in action films, Stallone’s legacy as a Hollywood icon remains untouchable.