The Rivalry Of Stallone And Gere: A Hollywood Tale Of Tension And Drama

In the dawn of their Hollywood careers, two iconic actors, Sylvester Stallone and Richard Gere, found themselves embroiled in a rivalry that would last decades. Their journey began with the film The Lords of Flatbush, a drama about Brooklyn street teens that brought them together in 1974. However, the sparks that flew between them were more than just on-screen chemistry; they were marked by tension and conflict that would shape their careers and public images.

When The Lords of Flatbush hit theaters, Gere was notably absent, with Perry King stepping in to take on the role of Chico. Stallone later remarked, “We never hit it off,” highlighting the friction that existed between the two actors from the very start. Stallone described Gere as someone who strutted around like "the baddest knight at the round table," indicating a lack of camaraderie that would define their professional relationship.

As both actors rose to fame, their rivalry became a staple of Hollywood gossip, often overshadowing their individual accomplishments. The public's fascination with their feud only grew, particularly due to wild rumors and an infamous urban legend involving Gere and a gerbil. This bizarre story, which even made its way onto Saturday Night Live, only added fuel to the fire, with Stallone and Gere's rivalry becoming a topic of intrigue and speculation.

Stallone and Gere: Tensions on Set

From the outset of filming The Lords of Flatbush, tensions between Stallone and Gere were palpable. Stallone recounted a particular incident during an improvisation scene where Gere became overly aggressive, leading Stallone to plead for a lighter approach. He described Gere as "impossible to deal with," emphasizing the underlying tensions that would ultimately lead to their infamous clash.

A pivotal moment in their tumultuous relationship occurred during a lunch break on set. Stallone, enjoying a hot dog, found himself in a precarious situation when Gere entered the car with a mustard-covered chicken. When mustard spilled onto Stallone's thigh, he reacted instinctively by elbowing Gere and pushing him out of the car. This incident not only escalated their feud but also resulted in Gere being fired from the film, as the tensions surrounding them became too much for the production team to handle.

In 2006, Stallone reflected on the incident, noting that Gere held a lasting dislike for him, even suggesting that Gere believed he was responsible for the gerbil rumor. The bizarre folklore surrounding their rivalry continued to grow, with Gere addressing the urban legend years later, dismissing it as a ridiculous fabrication and expressing his frustration over the media's portrayal of him.

The Fistfight That Almost Happened

Fast forward a decade, and Elton John's autobiography brought to light another chapter in the Stallone-Gere saga. John recounted a dinner party where the tension between the two actors reached a boiling point. Gere and Princess Diana were seen sharing an intimate moment, much to Stallone's chagrin, suggesting he had intentions of pursuing Diana himself.

As the party progressed, John noticed an awkward atmosphere surrounding the two actors. When Stallone and Gere went missing during dinner service, John sent his partner to check on them. The report that came back indicated that the two were about to engage in a fistfight, a situation that was diffused just in time by inviting them to dinner.

After the confrontation, Stallone left the gathering in a huff, remarking that he never would have attended had he known Gere would be there. This dramatic episode further solidified their rivalry, leaving a lasting impression on those in attendance and adding another layer to their complicated relationship.

Lightening the Mood: John's Perspective

Despite the seriousness of the situation, Elton John later recounted how the mood lightened once Stallone left the party. The remaining guests, including Diana and Gere, were able to relax and enjoy each other's company. John humorously noted that they waited until Stallone's car was out of sight before they began to laugh about the night's events.

While only those present at the party truly knew the details of what transpired, John's account highlights the absurdity of the rivalry and the lengths to which it had escalated. Stallone, however, would later downplay the events, calling them a "complete fabrication" in response to inquiries from fans.

Ultimately, despite their lengthy careers in Hollywood, Stallone and Gere have never shared the screen together or appeared at the same event, a testament to the unresolved tensions that have defined their public personas for decades.

In conclusion, the rivalry between Stallone and Gere is a fascinating tale of ambition, jealousy, and the complexities of human relationships within the high-stakes world of Hollywood. Their story serves as a reminder of how personal conflicts can spill over into public perception, shaping the narratives of even the most successful careers.