What sparked the rivalry between Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone?

At the 1977 Golden Globes ceremony, Stallone threw a bouquet of flowers at Schwarzenegger, seeing it as "the beginning of a battle" between the two action stars.

How did Schwarzenegger respond to Stallone's success?

Schwarzenegger admitted that he had to "chase" Stallone's success and higher salaries, using it as motivation to work harder and catch up.

How do Schwarzenegger and Stallone describe each other now?

Schwarzenegger praises Stallone's "dedication and passion," while Stallone describes his friend as "rock steady" and "very organized."

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Rivals Turned Friends: Schwarzenegger and Stallone's Competitive Past

Rivals Turned Friends: Schwarzenegger and Stallone's Competitive Past

5 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Schwarzenegger and Stallone were once fierce rivals in the action movie industry
Their rivalry began at the 1977 Golden Globes when Stallone threw flowers at Schwarzenegger
Schwarzenegger was motivated to work harder to catch up to Stallone's success and income

Rivals Turned Friends: Schwarzenegger and Stallone's Competitive Past

In a recent joint interview, legendary actors Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone have revealed the details of their once-fierce rivalry that spanned decades. The two action stars, now aged 78 and 79 respectively, were once fierce competitors in the industry, with Stallone recalling how they would "stare at each other for a few seconds" whenever they entered a party, each determined to one-up the other.