OUT OF SLY’S SHADOW
‘Stallone: Frank, That Is’ focuses on film, music career of lesser-known brother
Frank Stallone is spending the day doing interviews for the documentary “Stallone: Frank, That Is.” It’s a part of his job that he enjoys — and one that took him by surprise.
Stallone says it’s been fun to look back at his life through the lens of the filmmakers.
“I had no intention of doing a documentary, but these young filmmakers came to me,” Stallone says frankly. “I took it with a grain of salt, and told them I would help them the best I could with people I’ve met over the years.”
The documentary is available on demand, and Stallone couldn’t be more proud.
The documentary follows Stallone’s journey through all facets of entertainment.
He is a well-known face in film, singing and songwriting.
Not to mention that he’s a world-class boxing historian and collector.
Stallone says his love for entertaining began when he sang as a child.
“I think everyone has a certain calling,” he says. “I believe music was that calling for me. It was just natural.”
Stallone’s brother is Sylvester Stallone, but he has carved out his own lane in the entertainment industry.
He rose to fame with the single “Far From Over,” which appeared in the 1983 film “Staying Alive.”
The song peaked at No. 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts, becoming his only major pop hit. It was nominated for a Golden Globe and a Grammy Award.
“Music was always at the forefront, and it opened so many doors for myself,” Stallone says. “What I do has never really felt like work. I’ve been very lucky to have found what I love.”
Stallone watched the film for the first time at the beginning of this year and didn’t know what to expect.
The documentary features appearances by Arnold Schwarzenegger, Billy Dee Williams, Billy Zane, Joe Mantegna, Talia Shire, Geraldo Rivera, Danny Aiello, Burt Young, Frankie Avalon, Richie Sambora and John Oates,
“It’s a rainbow of emotions,” he says of the film. “There are people in this film that I haven’t seen in 50 years. It was really nice to hear what they thought of me. I wasn’t at any of the interviews, so I didn’t know what they would have to say. I also got to see a few friends of mine in the film that have since passed away. They got a chance to interview my mother, who died last year. It brought back so many emotions.”
Although Stallone hasn’t performed a show in New Mexico, he said he’s always wanted to.
He used to be friends with boxer Johnny Tapia.
“He always wanted me to come out and visit,” Stallone says. “The cards were never set in the right place.”