“We were both hungry and lived in a bad death pension, I sold it for $ 40”

In 1971, a young Sylvester Stallone, just 25 years old, was struggling to carve a future in New York. Without money and living in a bad death pension, the actor was forced to sell to his beloved Butkus dog for only $ 40 to get some food. This decision, the result of need, became years later a story of redemption worthy of a film.

He could recover it thanks to selling the script of ‘Rocky’

A HAPPY HISTORY

Stallone recalled that difficult moment in several interviews, revealing that both he and his dog lived in precarious conditions. “We were both hungry and lived in a bad death pension, just above a subway station. when things got even more difficult, I had to sell to Butkus for $ 40 compared to a 7-eleven (a supermarket), because I couldn’t afford even eating,” the actor confessed.

However, Stallone’s fate took a radical turn when his ‘Rocky’ script was sold, becoming a resounding success and throwing him into stardom. The actor, already famous for his interpretation in the boxer saga, decided to recover his faithful childhood friend. But the new owner of Butkus, knowing Stallone’s despair, charged $ 15,000 for the dog. “It was like a modern miracle. The script of ‘Rocky’ was sold, and I could buy it again, but the new owner knew he was desperate, and charged me $ 15,000 … But every penny was worth!” Stallone explained in a nostalgic tone.

But that’s not all, history doesn’t end there. Butkus not only returned to Stallone’s life, but also participated in Rocky’s first two films, making a special appearance. Unfortunately, the dog died in 1981, but his link with Stallone lasts as a symbol of loyalty and friendship.