Sylvester Stallone said his decades-long rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger only concluded when Schwarzenegger left acting to run for governor of California. In a recent interview on "The Rest Is Entertainment" podcast, Stallone recounted how the two action stars competed throughout the 1980s and 1990s as both sought to dominate the emerging action film genre.
Stallone said the tension began early in their careers when both actors recognized they were vying for leadership in action cinema. He recalled noticing Schwarzenegger at the Golden Globe Awards, where the two exchanged hostile looks. The competition extended both on and off screen, with Stallone making films like "Rambo" while Schwarzenegger countered with "Commando." Stallone described the rivalry as "very contentious" but added that he enjoyed the challenge.
Even when the two partnered on the restaurant chain Planet Hollywood in 1991, Stallone said they would not appear on stage together to give speeches. The hostility persisted for two decades until Schwarzenegger decided to pursue political office.
Stallone said the rivalry finally ended when the two encountered each other at a cigar lounge around the time Schwarzenegger launched his gubernatorial campaign. Stallone told him they were no longer in competition because Schwarzenegger was leaving the film industry. He thanked Schwarzenegger for motivating him throughout their careers, and Schwarzenegger expressed similar sentiments. Stallone said the two remain friendly today and still competitive by nature, though no longer financially competitive.