Additional Coverage:
- Dolly Parton Once Cursed Out Iconic ’80s Leading Man For Calling a Homeless Man ‘Scum’: ‘That Could Have Been You’ (parade.com)
Throughout her illustrious career, Dolly Parton has shared the screen with many legendary actors, creating memorable moments in film history. One such collaboration was the 1984 comedy Rhinestone, where she starred alongside Sylvester Stallone. Though the film struggled at the box office and is often cited as one of Stallone’s less successful projects, it played a significant role in forging a lasting friendship between the two stars.
Despite the film’s rocky reception, Parton and Stallone developed a close bond during production. However, Parton once recounted a tense moment on set involving Stallone and a homeless man in need. In her autobiography, Dolly: My Life and Other Unfinished Business, she described how she attempted to wrap her shawl around a shivering man near a trash bin to offer him some warmth.
Stallone, observing this, abruptly intervened, pulling the shawl away and expressing disdain for the man. He reportedly said, “Don’t you put that good shawl over that scum!
He could have made something of himself. We did.”
Unwilling to accept Stallone’s harsh judgment, Parton confronted him directly. She responded passionately, saying, “That could have been you, you ungrateful son of a b***h!
Except by the grace of God. Who knows, it could be an angel sent to show you what you really are.”
The disagreement was resolved the following day, with Stallone offering a sincere apology by buying a blanket for the man. Over the years, the two maintained a respectful and warm relationship. Recently, Stallone publicly expressed his sorrow at Parton’s passing, highlighting the deep connection they shared despite their early clash.