SZ Exclusive Interview: George Pipasik, Part I

Craig / / 2008, Sly Fan
SZ: We know about your hard work helping Sly to get in shape for his films. We know that you appeared in “ROCKY IV,“ but what we don’t know is what made you get into bodybuilding yourself?

GEORGE PIPASIK: I used to play hockey. And it was very difficult in Czechoslovakia. During that time, I had met some friends and started lifting weights. I was 19 years old. And since that time, I have been lifting weights all the time.

SZ: When did you decide to make it your career ?

GEORGE PIPASIK: It was unexpected. I was supposed to open a gym with Arnold.

SZ: Arnold? As in Schwarzenegger? Who of course (respectfully laughing) is now our Governor?

GEORGE PIPASIK: Yes. I started building everything myself. In another place, split between L.A. After two years, he decided he didn’t want to open his own gym, so he decided to go somewhere else. I decided to open a gym myself. That was December of 1982.

SZ: That’s the official date of opening Santa Monica Bodybuilding Center?
GEORGE PIPASIK: Yes.
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[More to come… Craig]

Intro to SZ Exclusive Interview: George Pipasik

Craig / / 2008, Sly Fan

Hello fellow SZoners! WOW ! How exciting, to have been not just welcomed, but given a very cordial invite to the Santa Moncia Bodybuilding Center to get a tour, and even some unexpected training with LONG TIME Sylvester Stallone trainer, and of course his close friend, Mr. George Pipasik. Though this was not the first time a StalloneZoner had visited Mr. Pipasik (maybe most of you remember the exciting pictures that SZoner Judge Monty posted about a year ago), but this is StalloneZoner Chris Heathcoat’s very first visit. Before we begin I want to personally “THANK” Mr. George Pipasik for our exclusive StalloneZone interview. For everything from the beginning of our first phone conversation, to the entrance into the gym with a warm hand shake and smile, to our exits with our own Santa Monica Bodybuilding Center shirts (a treat from George) we are very appreciative. What comes to mind, is some dialogue from Stallone’s own RAMBO script. In the film actress Julie Benz is told by her co-star who played “Michael” that John Rambo is doing what he’s doing because “He’s been paid.” Julie’s character responds, “He didn’t take anything.“ Neither did George for all of his time, valuable information and gracious generosity.
Hope you enjoy,
Chris Heathcoat

[More to come… Craig]

Fan Art

Craig / / 2008, Fan Art, Sly Fan


Hi Craig,
I’m sending you paintings that I’ve painted last year. I’m a StalloneZone fan since the beginning and also a huge Stallone fan . It’s gonna be an extreme honor for me to see my paintings posted on your website. Thank you very much.
Cheers! from Canada.
Francis Bourque
Ottawa,Ontario,Canada.
I’ll send you a picture of my Rocky statue soon.
_____

Thanks for sharing the art! I’ll post your statue photo once it arrives! – Craig


Sly & RockyPeru

Craig / / 2008, Sly Fan

SZoner, RockyPeru, checked in with a couple of photos. The first of him with Sly was taken two years ago. The second was from a recent trip to Philly to relieve the magic! Thanks to RockyPeru for sharing! – Craig

Sly – The Last Action Hero?

Craig / / 2008
Alan Granville for tvnz.co.nz posts an article which explores why Sly is the last true action hero. Here are some excerpts:

* Step forward Mr. Sylvester Stallone, 61 years old and one of the last true action heroes we have left… no-one has been more successful and more consistent in trying to make people explode or be pummelled than Stallone.

* Stallone has major Hollywood pedigree. He was Oscar nominated for Best Actor and Best Screenplay for Rocky back in 1976 (the movie went on to win Best Picture). He co-wrote and directed all the subsequent sequels, including last year’s commercial and critical hit Rocky Balboa, itself a major gamble which paid off.

* Stallone is also incredibly popular around the world. Even when films tank or do middling business in the USA they still perform well elsewhere.

* Another thing which is in Stallone’s favour is that he comes across as a nice guy in interviews. He seems funny, self-effacing and happy to joke about his on screen image. He is also said to be highly intelligent and comes across as a guy you could go for a beer (or protein shake) with.

* Stallone keeps bouncing back.

For the full article click HERE. [Oh, and Sly didn’t direct “Rocky V” despite Mr. Granville giving him credit for it.] – Craig

One More Again?

Craig / / 2008, Rambo
Reports have been circulating over the internet that Sly not only plans to bring Rambo back for another film, but also intends to take him into a new genre. According to an interview in BreakingNews.ie, a newspaper in Sweden, Sly said, “I would like to take Rambo to another genre, experiment a little with the character… It would definitely not be another war movie. I can’t go any further with that than what I’ve already done. What it’s going to be like, I’m not going to reveal at this point. But I’m already halfway though writing the manuscript.”
Other reports indicate that sets are already being put into place for filming in Bulgaria on what would be the fifth Rambo outing.

Please remember that these are just rumors at this point. – Craig

Sly Fan and Her Statue!

Craig / / 2008, Sly Fan

Hey Craig!
I finally got my own Rocky statue and I’m so excited! I’m a long time Stallone fan and have been a member of the SZ board for some time now. Thought you’d like to see this picture of me with my statue and some of my most prized possessions!
Thanks for all you do for us fans!
Jenn
‘Velvetblasphemy’
_____
Yo Jen!

Aren’t the Rocky statues the greatest? Thanks for letting me know how much you enjoy yours and for the kind words about the SZ! – Craig