Sylvester Stallone’s Rocky IV Near-Death Moment: ‘I Was Knocked Out and Heading for Intensive Care!’

Sylvester Stallone, the iconic actor and filmmaker, is no stranger to intense action scenes, having solidified his reputation through roles in Rocky, Rambo, and The Expendables. However, one of the most harrowing moments of his career occurred during the filming of Rocky IV, where a single punch almost cost him his life.

In a candid interview for a Netflix documentary, Stallone shared details about a near-fatal incident while shooting the classic 1985 boxing film. The incident took place during a fight sequence between his character, Rocky Balboa, and Dolph Lundgren’s Ivan Drago. Stallone recalled being struck by Lundgren with such force that he was knocked out cold.

“I was pulverized,” Stallone admitted, reflecting on the sheer power of Lundgren’s punch. While the scene was part of the scripted drama, the aftermath was far from ordinary. The actor, already a seasoned professional in the world of action, never anticipated that a movie fight would have life-threatening consequences.

From the Set to Intensive Care

The impact of the punch was more severe than Stallone initially realized. Following the hit, the actor was immediately evacuated from the Vancouver studio by ambulance and rushed to a hospital in Santa Monica, California. “I didn’t feel it in the moment, but later that night, my heart started to swell,” Stallone explained. “My blood pressure went up to 260, and I was going to be talking to angels.”

For Stallone, what seemed like a routine injury during filming quickly spiraled into a medical emergency. With his condition worsening, he was placed on a low-altitude flight to the hospital and admitted to intensive care. “I’m surrounded by nuns,” he recalled, a detail highlighting the severity of the situation. It was only after receiving urgent medical care that Stallone’s life-threatening condition stabilized.

Despite the close call, Stallone’s commitment to the film didn’t waver. Remarkably, after receiving emergency treatment, the actor returned to the set to finish the grueling fight scene. “I had to go back and finish the fight,” he said, underscoring his dedication to his craft and the Rocky IV legacy.

A Career Defined by Pain and Perseverance

Stallone’s physical sacrifices didn’t end with Rocky IV. Over the years, he has endured several major surgeries, particularly during his time filming The Expendables series. Reflecting on the toll that action stunts took on his body, Stallone admitted, “I never recovered from Expendables.” After undergoing seven major surgeries for the series, Stallone confessed that he was never physically the same.

This candid admission serves as a cautionary tale to both fans and aspiring action stars. “Don’t do your own stunts,” he warned, acknowledging the lasting impact such intense physical work can have on the body. Despite the risks, Stallone’s commitment to performing his own stunts has become a hallmark of his career, earning him admiration for his toughness, but also making him a cautionary figure when it comes to action movie safety.

Legacy of ‘Rocky IV’

Rocky IV remains a landmark film in the Rocky franchise and continues to be celebrated for its iconic fight scenes, themes of perseverance, and emotional depth. The film’s success and Stallone’s near-death experience on set have only added to its legendary status in cinematic history.

Looking back, Stallone’s experience during the Rocky IV shoot is a reminder of the personal and physical costs of making action-packed movies. While the punch from Dolph Lundgren nearly ended his career, Stallone’s resilience and love for his craft drove him to complete one of the most memorable films in his career.

For fans of the actor and the Rocky series, Stallone’s near-death experience serves as a testament to his incredible dedication, proving that the man behind Rocky Balboa is as tough as the character he portrayed on screen.