Sylvester Stallone Recounts Explosive On-Set Clash with Richard Gere
Stallone details a volatile relationship with his "Lords of Flatbush" co-star in his new memoir, including a threat of physical violence.
Sylvester Stallone described a significant on-set conflict with his "The Lords of Flatbush" co-star Richard Gere, during which Stallone threatened to physically assault Gere. The incident, detailed in Stallone's new memoir "The Steps," occurred during the filming of the 1974 film.
According to Stallone, the animosity between him and Gere began during the audition process and escalated on set. During an ad-lib session, Stallone claimed Gere grabbed his T-shirt, digging his fingernails into his skin. Stallone asked director Stephen F. Verona if he could react naturally to such an action, stating his response would be to "knock his teeth out." Verona reportedly pleaded with him not to.
The memoir recounts another incident during a lunch break where Gere allegedly spilled chicken grease on Stallone. This led to Stallone initiating a physical confrontation, pulling Gere from the car. Gere, in a "thin voice," expressed a desire to avoid physical violence, but Stallone retorted, "Too late."
Verona intervened to separate them, and Stallone noted that the situation had become untenable. "It was clear to everyone that this wasn’t working," Stallone wrote. "One of us had to go."
Ultimately, Gere was replaced in the film by actor Perry King. "The Lords of Flatbush," a low-budget comedy, followed a group of teenage friends in Brooklyn's Flatbush neighborhood. The main cast also included Paul Mace and Henry Winkler.
Stallone's memoir, "The Steps," is now available for purchase.
Page Six has reached out to Gere's representative for comment.