20 Times Actors Bet Against Hollywood (And WON)

While Rocky is famous as one of the most triumphant and inspirational of all sports movies, writer and star Sylvester Stallone wrote it during a low-point in his life. At the time, he was a struggling actor who was so cash-strapped he'd been forced to sell his beloved pet dog, Butkus. 

Stallone wrote Rocky over several days, viewing it as a starring vehicle for himself. Producers really liked the script but there was a big obstacle lying ahead: they didn't want Stallone. They wanted an established actor in the lead. However, Stallone would not back down, with him and his agents adamantly refusing to sell the script unless Stallone was allowed to headline it. 

Thankfully, their perseverance won out and Stallone was allowed to play the role in exchange for the budget being kept down - their efforts could not have paid-off better. Not only did the movie win Best Picture and become one of the most beloved and iconic sports movies ever, but it launched Sylvester Stallone's career. Today, he is one of the world's richest actors, and it all started with Rocky. Stallone really did have an underdog story to rival his own character, which is perhaps a key reason why the film works so well.  

Oh, and as for Butkus the dog? Don't worry; once he sold the script, Stallone was able to buy him back and Butkus actually plays Rocky's dog in the movie.