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How Anthony Ippolito Talked His Way Into Playing Sylvester Stallone in 'I Play Rocky'
Anthony Ippolito sent an unsolicited basement self-tape that convinced Peter Farrelly to cast him as Sylvester Stallone.
- On Friday, November 6, 2026, the biographical drama I Play Rocky entered limited theatrical release, starring 27-year-old Anthony Ippolito as a young Sylvester Stallone in the true story behind the iconic 1976 boxing classic.
- Stallone wrote the screenplay while facing homelessness, famously turning down $300,000 to maintain his demand to star in the lead role, a gamble that defined his improbable rise to stardom.
- Director Peter Farrelly cast Ippolito after receiving an unsolicited audition tape recorded in his grandmother's basement, impressed that the actor avoided caricature while capturing Stallone's essence.
- After screening the film privately, Stallone said he was 'stunned' watching Ippolito convey his difficult journey, noting the performance captured authenticity he did not expect from a retelling.
- Arriving as Rocky celebrates its 50th anniversary, Ippolito described the film as 'really a love letter' to Stallone's perseverance, honoring the conviction required to bring an underdog dream to life.
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“I Play Rocky ”cast: See who’s playing Sylvester Stallone and other Hollywood legends
Get to know the stars bringing the underdog tale about an underdog tale to life.Anthony Ippolito as Sylvester Stallone in ‘I Play Rocky’; Stallone in ‘Rocky’Credit: Claire Folger; United Artists/Courtesy EverettAs a struggling, little-known actor, Sylvester Stallone beat incredible odds by writing and starring in Rocky, a film that would not only win the Academy Award for Best Picture but also launch him into Hollywood stardom.Directed by Peter …
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Total News Sources95
Leaning Left24Leaning Right9Center53Last UpdatedBias Distribution62% Center
Bias Distribution
- 62% of the sources are Center
62% Center
L 28%
C 62%
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