Dolph Lundgren, famous for his role in “Rocky IV,” reminisced about an incident on set where he accidentally sent co-star Sylvester Stallone to the hospital. Lundgren, now 66 and starring in the film “Wanted Man,” recounted the event during the final fight scene shoot for the 1985 movie.
According to Lundgren, they filmed the last fight scene first, and after completing it, he was informed that Stallone was hospitalized. Stallone had been directing, acting, and fighting Lundgren, who was a decade younger and a European heavyweight karate champion. The intense schedule and physical demands took a toll on Stallone, who claimed to have suffered a bruised heart muscle from a punch delivered by Lundgren’s character, Ivan Drago.
Lundgren shared his perspective on the incident, suggesting that the stress and pressure on Stallone, coupled with the physical demands, led to the health issue. Despite the unintentional harm caused during the filming of “Rocky IV,” Lundgren and Stallone developed a close friendship over the years, co-starring in subsequent “Rocky” and “Expendables” films.
Stallone previously detailed the punch, noting that Lundgren hit him so hard that it nearly stopped his heart. He jokingly referred to the impact as being hit by “a streetcar named Drago.” The incident became a memorable chapter in the behind-the-scenes history of the iconic film.
In addition to reflecting on his past movie experiences, Lundgren opened up about his recent health struggles. In a 2021 interview, he revealed battling cancer for eight years. Lundgren faced a tumor in his kidney, underwent surgeries, and dealt with additional tumors in subsequent years. He credited a second opinion and updated medication for his recovery, expressing gratitude for being able to live a relatively normal life now. Lundgren also emphasized the importance of staying active and maintaining a balance in life, acknowledging the support of his wife, Emma Krokdal, in helping him achieve that balance.
