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Stallone's Dog Dilemma: Rocky Script vs. Beloved Pet
8 Nov
Summary
- Stallone was forced to sell his dog Butkus to fund the Rocky script.
- He later claimed varied amounts, from $40 to $15,000, to buy his dog back.
- The exact amount paid to retrieve Butkus remains unclear, with multiple versions.
Before achieving Hollywood stardom with "Rocky," Sylvester Stallone endured significant financial hardship, leading him to sell his cherished dog, Butkus. He was reportedly left with an impossible choice between keeping his beloved pet and pursuing his dream of getting the "Rocky" script made. The actor has shared this emotional story multiple times over the years, but details have shifted with each retelling.
Stallone has recounted selling Butkus for various amounts, including $40 and $50, outside a 7-Eleven convenience store due to his inability to afford basic necessities like dog food. Upon selling the "Rocky" screenplay, Stallone was determined to reunite with Butkus. He approached the individuals who had purchased his dog, eventually persuading them to return him, though the specifics and cost of this reunion vary considerably.
Accounts of the amount Stallone paid to get Butkus back differ significantly. Initially, he claimed in 2013 to have paid $3,000. Later, on social media, he stated the owner demanded an exorbitant $15,000, which he reportedly paid. However, other sources, including the director of "I Play Rocky," have suggested a much lower figure, with one account even mentioning a fabricated $1,000 to appear more realistic than carrying $4,000 in cash. These conflicting narratives leave the exact cost of Butkus's return uncertain.
