The #1 Sylvester Stallone Fan Site in the World!
Frank Stallone a Surprise Hit in “Fred Claus”
Stallone, a Grammy and Golden Globe-Nominated Artist, was asked last year to appear in the film as himself.
Frank goes on to say, “I had all but given up on the film business after almost 60 films. I wasn’t getting any work and I couldn’t find an agent and no one seemed to show any interest, so I rededicated myself to my music full time.”
Stallone was nominated for Best Song for the Film “Staying Alive” and for best sound track for the same film.
Stallone was also highly considered for a Best Supporting Actor nomination by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts And Sciences for his role as Eddie The Bartender in “Barfly.”
Frank continues, “I must say working on ‘Fred Claus’ was a delightful experience. I wish all film sets were as joyful.”
SZoner Paul Wintner is not only the owner of Wintner Talent Agency [check out his site], but also a fan of Sylvester Stallone movies.
Paul sent in a photo with Frank Stallone, as well as some pictures from Paul’s collection: glasses from Rocky Balboa, autographed gloves and a ring signed by Sly and all of his opponents from the Rocky movies!
Paul, thanks for sharing! – Craig
Frank is waiting for the sport of boxing to make a comeback. “Boxing used to be in the headlines. Now, you don’t see it… I watch all the fights, but I’m waiting for something to happen. The heavyweight division can’t get any worse. You have guys talking in the third person, with earrings, talking smack and calling people names. Talking big-mouth stuff.”
Frank hopes that events like the First State Fighter Series will help bring boxing back into a positive spotlight and attract more kids to take up the sport. For the full article, click HERE. – Craig
Frank Stallone checked in with some candid photos that he took on the last day of shooting for “Rocky Balboa.” He also passed along this:
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Hey Craig : Enjoy these candid photos I took on the set. “Take You Back” is starting to get airplay and with the support of the loyal Rocky fans maybe I have a hit again. It will start online Dec 5th on Itunes and
all the other sites. Take care Craig.
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As most SZoners know, Frank has been supportive of the StalloneZone for years. He’s one of the most talented and down-to-earth celebs you’d ever meet. I know that our support will mean a lot to Frank and send a strong message as to the popularity of “Rocky Balboa.” – Craig
Sly and Burt Young hug as the filming of “Rocky Balboa” ends.
The camera crew on the truck!
Frank and Punchy!
Thanks to Frank for sharing his photos and his continued support of the StalloneZone. I’m sure that SZoners around the world will begin requesting, downloading and purchasing “Take You Back” when it premieres on December 5th! – Craig
Frank Stallone and I exchanged a few e-mails this week. Here are some things Frank said that SZoners will want to hear::
* Wait till you see this film [“Rocky Balboa”] it’s awesome.
* “Rocky Balboa” opens a panning camera shot of the city while “Take You Back” is playing [about 54 seconds which is a lot of time for film].
* We are gearing up for the single release as we speak
* I also have two more songs in the movie: “You Wake Up The Heart In Me” and “Raw.”
* Thanks for the support! It’s so great that you still keep the site going!
– Frank‘s not only a talented guy, but he’s always been supportive of the SZ!
I think it’s so cool how “Take You Back” was in the original “Rocky” and now brings the final chapter full circle.
If all SZoners support the release of the “Take You Back” it’ll send a strong message about the strength of Rocky Balboa‘s fan base.
There was a “teaser” trailer for “Rocky Balboa” on the net which featured Frank’s song “Take You Back” as the camera was panning Philly. Does anybody have a link to it? – Craig
\My name is Joseph Vaglica. I’m a big Rocky/Sylvester Stallone fan. I recently attended the “Philly Loves Rocky Week” celebration. Here’s my story…
I traveled to Philadelphia all the way from Edgewater, Florida. I couldn’t get the entire week off work so I decided to go for two days: Thursday for the Rocky and Adrian look alike contest and Friday for the statue rededication. There were some problems in my plans. In order to get Friday off I needed to find someone to cover my shift. I also was unsure if I wanted to spend the $360.00 it would cost to fly to Philly for only two days. I really needed a sign to tell me if I should go or not. While in the men’s shirt department at Target I saw the sign I was looking for! It was a shirt with Rocky on top of the steps of the art museum facing Philly wearing the outfit that I had planned on wearing in the look alike contest. I instantly had goosebumps.
I arrived in Philly at 10:00 Thursday morning and rented a car. I got to Love Park in my costume all ready to enter the look alike contest and discovered that the contest was already set and the five finalists were pre-selected (which was not explained in the article that I saw on the internet).
I was upset and discouraged. I told the organizers that I had just flown in from Florida. I guess I hit a nerve when I talked to a city representative because he began to spread my story to all the press. The contest officials felt bad and were also amazed at how dedicated I was to jump on a plane with such short notice. They decided to put me in the contest as an unofficial finalist! This was the best thing that could have happened because after the contest the city representative invited me to the press box on Friday for the Rocky statue Rededication! The catch was that I had to be dressed as Rocky. I excitedly agreed.
Than I started to walk back to the car as lots of people said I looked good. I walked passed a booth that had a raffle for the new Jakks Pacific limited edition Rocky action figure. The representative at the booth said that the outfit looked good and he invited me to a Rocky figure promotion! I went to the promotion dressed as Rocky and after it was over they gave me 4 of the limited edition action figures!
The next day was the statue rededication which didn’t start until 6:00. I walked around the art museum and met new friends (Joy, Mike, Steven, Abe, and John). About two hours before the rededication I had an interview with Channel 6 news. They also videoed me running up the stairs and jumping up and throwing punches at the top of the steps like Rocky. Then I had another interview inside the press area.
Finally Sly came down from top of the museum to the statue. It was unbelievable! I had never seen Sly in person and it was my goal to meet him. I have to admit that I was a little nervous videoing the ceremony . After the rededication I went to Sly’s party! I was able to get his autograph and Frank’s. I also got a picture with Frank.
What a great story! Your dedication paid off big time. Thanks for sharing! – Craig
Dear Mr. Zablo,
I have visited your web site for a number of years. As a lifelong Stallone fan it is a pleasure to see someone dedicate a site to those who share the same sentiment about the powerful influence of this man’s works. Recently I traveled to Las Vegas to take part in the filming of “Rocky Balboa”, I have enclosed several photos of thje trip which you can share with fellow Zoners.
As a young actior and writer, it was more then the ideal opportunity to see the man who inspired me to begin on this path. Because of Mr. Stallone I was inspired to write my first script “Favelas” which I co-wrote with my good friend John Smalbein, who happens to be a mutual acquatence of both of us. Enjoy the pics and keep up the good work. – Joe Breen
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Thanks, Joe! Best of Luck to you and John with your script. – Craig Zablo
Robert Sanchez from The Movie Reporter.com posted this on January 6th:
Sly Stallone and his brother Frank showed up at last nights VW shindig and we had to ask what was going on with these two [Rocky and Rambo – Craig] long rumored projects. To my surprise Stallone mentioned that he had meetings that same day regarding Rambo and that both projects are in the works.
For the full report click HERE.
Thanks to Jamie Eade for the tip! – Craig
Actor Sylvester Stallone and his brother singer Frank Stallone pose as they arrive as guests at the launch party for the 2005 Volkswagen Jetta automobile in Hollywood January 5, 2005.
REUTERS/Fred Prouser
– Craig