Smoking cigars on screen is nothing new, but it’s always a joy to know that those who enjoy a smoke on screen also enjoy one when the cameras aren’t rolling. That’s why in this edition of our Cigar Smoking Icon series, we’ll be looking at one of the biggest names of 1980s action films, Sylvester Stallone.
Who is Sylvester Stallone?
Stallone was born Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone on July 6th 1946, in a Hell’s Kitchen hospital in New York. He didn’t have the easiest upbringing, spending the first five years of his life in boarding care before living with his father in Maryland, before joining his mother in Philadelphia when he turned 15.
With a history of expulsion from schools, Stallone was sent to a private school for troubled teens before finally attending the American College of Switzerland, where he was first introduced to acting. When he was a few credits short of graduating from the University of Miami, Stallone returned to New York and began his acting career with the adult film The Part at Kitty’s and Studs.
From there, his acting career took off, and Stallone wound up writing the script for the still critically acclaimed Rocky. After refusing to sell the script unless he could play the key role of Rocky Balboa, Stallone soon rose to stardom as Rocky became the highest-grossing film of 1976.
From there, his stardom only grew, making Stallone into the well-known actor, writer and director that he is today.
Sylvester Stallone and Cigars
Early in his career, Stallone was known as an avid smoker. However, his taste leaned closer to those of cigarettes, with the actor being known to smoke between takes. However, after realising the adverse health effects of cigarettes, Stallone quit.
In 1977, while filming another iconic action film (F.I.S.T.), Stallone was introduced to the wonder of smoking cigars, and he’s never looked back! In fact, Stallone is such a huge fan of cigars that he has a humidor stocked with his favourite cigars in all of his homes. This was even noted in the Mar/Apr 98 issue of Cigar Aficionado.
Stallone believes that smoking is a private experience, and he likes to spend his evenings smoking a cigar either by himself or with his good friend and fellow cigar smoking icon Arnold Schwarzenegger.
What is Sylvester Stallone’s Favourite Cigar?
So, what cigars do famed action stars smoke? Well, Stallone has admitted that his personal favourite is the 1995 flagship cigar from the Arturo Fuente family, the Opus X. This particular cigar has been referred to as ‘cigar perfection’ and is entirely handmade. The unique blend of Fuente tobaccos offers a bold, smooth flavour with a sweet and lingering fullness from the Opus X wrapper. The Opus is truly the champion of cigars, and we’d expect nothing less from Rocky himself.
During the day, Stallone tends towards something a little smaller: the Partagas Serie D No.4 Cigar. This powerhouse cigar is strong and full-bodied, with rich aromas of spice and wood in a marvellous Colorado to Maduro wrapper.
From Cuban classics to one of the most unique cigars on the market, it’s safe to say that Stallone’s taste in cigars is nothing short of immaculate. But then, did you expect anything less?
If you’re looking to add a little Hollywood to your smoking experience, then why not check out our store? There you’ll find only the best in Cuban and Dominican cigars like those favoured by the Italian Stallion himself.
Image Credit: Gage Skidmore under CC BY-SA 2.0.
