Once considered the Titans of the action genre, Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone spent decades as adversaries. Throughout the ’80s and ’90s, the two megastars were consistently pitted against each other, both in the box office and in media headlines, frequently trading jabs over everything from their respective film revenues to their physical builds. But as the saying goes, time heals all wounds, and the animosity between the two eventually subsided. Now, thanks to a recent revelation by Schwarzenegger, we have insights into how these former foes transitioned to friends.
Page Six recently detailed an account of Schwarzenegger sharing a personal anecdote during a memorial service for renowned Hollywood attorney Jake Bloom. As Schwarzenegger narrated, it was Bloom who played a pivotal role in bridging the gap between the two action stars, with the restaurant chain, Planet Hollywood, serving as the backdrop.
In a surprising twist, Schwarzenegger divulged that his initial anger was triggered in 1991 upon discovering Bloom’s intention to introduce Stallone as a co-owner of the Hollywood-centric restaurant franchise. Given their history, which began with their initial encounter at the 1977 Golden Globe awards, Schwarzenegger’s discontent was understandable. In one of their many competitions, Schwarzenegger even duped Stallone into starring in the widely panned film “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot.”
However, Bloom, with his astute business acumen, saw a bigger picture. He believed that bringing Stallone into the fold would not only bolster the restaurant’s profile but also potentially mend the rift between the two celebrities. And he wasn’t wrong.
As detailed by Page Six, the duo’s commitment to the restaurant’s promotion meant extensive global tours together. Through these travels and shared experiences, the walls of rivalry gradually crumbled, replaced by a burgeoning friendship.
Their transformed relationship was evident to fans worldwide when they shared the screen in the “Expendables” series and the 2013 film “Escape Plan.”
Jake Bloom’s passing on September 7, at the age of 81, marked the end of an era. Yet, his legacy, including his role in reconciling two of Hollywood’s most prominent figures, will surely be remembered for years to come.
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