Category: Celebs

“Little Marie” Suing Sly

Craig / / 2006, Celebs, Rocky Balboa

Actress Jodi Letizia has filed suit against Sylvester Stallone and MGM Films alleging breach of contract. Her complaint alleges that she was promised a chance to reprise the role of “Marie,” a part that she played in several “Rocky” films. Letizia first played “Little Marie,” as a 12-year-old neighborhood girl who Rocky tried to keep out of trouble. She also worked on “Rocky II,” “Rocky III” and “Rocky V.”

For the upcoming “Rocky Balboa” actress Geraldine Hughes was hired to play Marie who has an expanded role in the sequel.

Letizia alleges that she was first offtered the role and accepted. According to her complaint she canceled other work, including a one-woman show, to be available for “Rocky Balboa” filming. It wasn’t until Geraldine Hughes had been cast that Letizia heard “through the grapevine” that she wasn’t getting the role. She is asking for damages in excess of $50,000 for monies she would have earned by acting in the film.

For the full report click HERE. – Craig

Michael Joseph and his Rocky Balboa Paintings!

Craig / / 2006, Celebs, Sly Fan

One of the great things about running the StalloneZone is that I get to hear from Stallone fans from around the world.

Recently I received an e-mail from Michael Joseph, an artist who loves to do “sports art.”

Here’s what he had to say, followed by a look at his two of his Stallone paintings.

“This is Michael Joseph. I’m a sports artist & good friend of “Master Rocky Painter” Bill Pruitt. While Bill & I have painted many a time together, he is the best Rocky painter there is.

I just wanted to show a different side & show you what it might look like……….“At The Weigh In/ Ali v.s. Rocky”

.Michael Joseph

Michael, thanks for sharing your talents with us. Fans can see more of Michael’s work at his website! – Craig

Stallone: Key to Wiretap Case

Craig / / 2006, Celebs

Stallone: Key to Wiretap Case

A report issued yesterday by United Press International states that Sly Stallone is expected to be a key witness in the government’s wiretapping case against Anthony Pellicano.

Pellicano, a Hollywood private eye, is facing illegal wiretapping charges brought forth by the government. Pellicano, whose clients included some of the biggest names in the entertainment industry, was charged earlier this month with wiretapping people he was investigating as well as his own clients!

As to Sly‘s role in the case, according to the federal indictment, Pellicano and his associates allegedly illegally wiretapped or attempted to intercept Sly‘s phone calls. What makes this even more interesting is that the federal grand jury‘s indictment refers to calls to/from a “Johnny Friendly.” According to the UPI report “Johnny Friendly” is a name often used by Sly when he travels. [“Johnny Friendly” was a dishonest union boss played by Lee J. Cobb in the Marlon Brando classic “On the Waterfront.”]

So far there has been no comment from Sly and no verification from the US Attorney’s Office that Sly is in fact “Johnny Friendly.”

For more information, please click HERE.

– Craig Zablo

Dolph Lundgren Praises Sly

Craig / / 2006, Celebs, Rocky 4

In an interview at UGO.com, Dolph Lundgren praised Sly in the following exchange:

UGO: You’ve worked with great directors over the years – Roland Emmerich, John Woo, Russell Mulcahey, even Sylvester Stallone – were there any that inspired you more than others during your career?

DOLPH: Sly Stallone was extremely organized and well-prepared, the script – and dialogue – was number one for him. He wrote, directed, and starred in Rocky IV, that’s one hell of a workload. Sly was very sensitive to the “guy in the street’s” taste.

I love it that he spoke of Sly so highly and first. Sly must have really made an impact on Dolph. For the full interview click [HERE].

– Craig

Us Weekly’s “Stars – They’re Just Like Us!”

Craig / / 2005, Celebs, Training

The December 5, 2005 issue of US Weekly‘s “Stars – They’re Just Like Us!” section features Sly flexing with the following captions:

They’re Proud of Their Physiques!

Getting pumped for his upcoming Rocky and Rambo sequels, SYLVESTER STALLONE, 59, flashed his big guns leaving a Beverly Hills gym after a two-hour workout on November 14. “I’m just trying to keep up with the young bloods!” he has said.

– Craig

Sly Plans “Rocky Balboa” Filming at Taylor-Hopkins Championship Fight!

Craig / / 2005, Celebs, Rocky Balboa

Friday, Dec. 2, 2005, Sly Stallone made an appearance at the weigh-in for the Jermain Taylor-Bernard Hopkins middleweight championship bout in Las Vegas. Sly interacted with fans and signed autographs. Sly will film some crowd scenes for Rocky Balboa during the fight card. – Craig

Stallone is filming scenes for ‘Rocky Balboa’ around the Hopkins-Taylor rematch.