In the early 1970s, Stallone was a struggling actor in New York City. Eventually, the lack of work left him broke and homeless, and the bus station became his bedroom.

With his life in turmoil, Stallone decided to write a screenplay about a gritty thug who wanted to make it as a professional boxer. 

The script in question became the first film in the Rocky series. This is where Stallone’s inspirational story gets really interesting.

Film executives were intrigued by the script, and one studio even offered him $125,000 for it. The only problem? Stallone wanted to star in the movie, but they wouldn’t let him. 

By this time, Stallone was no longer homeless, but still living paycheck to paycheck.

Yet despite this, he turned down the $125,000 offer.

Another offer came in for $250,000, and then another for $350,000. Again, he turned both down.

Eventually, he accepted a reduced offer for the script in exchange for the lead role in the movie. His performance in Rocky catapulted Stallone into stardom, and he subsequently starred in several blockbuster films.

Throughout his 50 years in the film industry, he’s amassed a net worth of $400 million.

From sleeping at a bus station to the big screen, Stallone’s inspiring life story is a powerful testament to what happens when you refuse to be denied.