The 3 Actors Who Shaped Sylvester Stallone’s Career: Lessons Learned From Hollywood Icons!

Sylvester Stallone’s rise from a struggling actor in the early 1970s to one of Hollywood’s most enduring stars has been shaped not only by his tenacity but also by the collaborators he’s worked with along the way. Through over 80 films spanning multiple genres, Stallone has learned invaluable lessons from his co-stars—lessons that have shaped his craft, expanded his perspective, and refined his approach to both acting and filmmaking. Among those who stand out are Arnold Schwarzenegger, Jon Voight, and Dolph Lundgren.

Arnold Schwarzenegger: A Rivals-to-Friends Dynamic

The relationship between Stallone and Schwarzenegger is legendary. What began as a rivalry in the action genre has evolved into a friendship and mutual respect. Stallone himself has acknowledged the wisdom he gained from their interactions, including Schwarzenegger’s strategic approach to both his career and life. In a 2022 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Stallone spoke about their philosophical discussions, remarking that Schwarzenegger “loves to talk about philosophies which have got him to where he is.”

Over the years, their competitive yet collegial dynamic has offered Stallone valuable insights into resilience, calculated decision-making, and the importance of playing the long game in Hollywood. Schwarzenegger’s ability to turn rivalry into camaraderie served as an important reminder that collaboration—rather than conflict—can ultimately strengthen one’s position in the industry.

Jon Voight: A Master Class in Role Selection

While Stallone never directly worked alongside Jon Voight, he often points to Voight’s performances as a source of inspiration. Reflecting on the film Coming Home (1978) during the same Hollywood Reporter interview, Stallone admitted he had passed on the lead role that eventually earned Voight an Academy Award. “But I couldn’t have done it better than Jon Voight, he was great,” Stallone said, revealing his admiration for Voight’s nuanced portrayal of a Vietnam War veteran.

This acknowledgment speaks to an important lesson Stallone absorbed: the value of recognizing one’s strengths and selecting projects accordingly. Rather than viewing it as a missed opportunity, Stallone came to understand that choosing the right roles—roles that align with his unique talents—was critical to building a lasting career.

Dolph Lundgren: Physicality and Discipline in Action Roles

Stallone and Dolph Lundgren first crossed paths on Rocky IV (1985), where Lundgren’s imposing performance as the fearsome Ivan Drago created one of the most iconic rivalries in sports film history. They later reunited in The Expendables franchise, further solidifying their professional rapport. While Stallone hasn’t explicitly detailed what he learned from Lundgren, their collaborations have undeniably influenced Stallone’s approach to physicality and the mechanics of action filmmaking.

Lundgren’s dedication to the role of Drago—undergoing grueling training regimens and committing to the character’s stoic intensity—set a standard for portraying larger-than-life action figures. Stallone likely drew inspiration from Lundgren’s discipline and ability to embody a commanding screen presence, lessons he carried into subsequent films both as an actor and director.

A Collaborative Journey

Throughout his career, Stallone has often worked alongside actors whose talents pushed him to new heights. From Carl Weathers’ magnetic charisma as Apollo Creed in the Rocky series to Robert De Niro’s understated brilliance in Cop Land, Stallone has surrounded himself with performers who bring out his best. Each collaboration, even those not as widely publicized, has contributed to his growth as an artist.

By learning from Schwarzenegger’s strategic foresight, Voight’s mastery of emotional depth, and Lundgren’s physical precision, Stallone has refined his craft and navigated a career spanning nearly half a century. These lessons continue to resonate, ensuring that even as he evolves, Stallone remains one of Hollywood’s most iconic figures.