Sylvester Stallone was so broke he sold his bull mastiff Butkus outside a liquor store for $40. After selling the Rocky script, he went back to buy the dog. The new owner refused. Stallone kept raising the offer until the man finally agreed — for $15,000. Butkus went on to appear in Rocky.
He Sold His Dog for $40. Then Bought Him Back for $15,000.
Before Rocky made him a star, Sylvester Stallone was flat broke. He couldn't pay his electricity bill. He couldn't afford food. And he had a 130-pound bull mastiff named Butkus that he could barely feed.
Stallone has told this story multiple times in interviews, calling selling Butkus the lowest point of his life. The $15,000 he paid to get him back was, by his account, the best money he ever spent.
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Verified Fact
Stallone has told this story in multiple interviews including with Ain't It Cool News (2006), The Jonathan Ross Show, and various press tours. $40 sale, $15,000 buyback, and Butkus appearing in Rocky are all confirmed. Some details vary (7-Eleven vs liquor store) but core facts consistent.
The Independent
