Actor Sylvester Stallone humorously revealed that his retirement plans must wait. He noted that he must continue working to cover the substantial costs of his daughter Sophia Stallone’s upcoming wedding. The 80-year-old Hollywood icon discussed these family financial commitments during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark on Tuesday, October 13.
Co-host Kelly Ripa asked the legendary Rocky and Rambo star how much he plans to contribute to the nuptials. Stallone responded with a candid and lighthearted remark that drew laughter from the studio audience. “Oh, man, it’s almost embarrassing to say – but I can’t retire,” Stallone said, before repeating for emphasis, “I can’t retire. I’m serious!”
Daughter Sophia’s Engagement to Michael Sheehan
Sophia Stallone, 30, announced her engagement to Michael Sheehan on August 28. She shared romantic photos of the proposal on Instagram with the caption, “Forever with my best friend.” Since the announcement, the family has been busy preparing for the celebrations.
Stallone has expressed wholehearted approval for his future son-in-law. During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on September 27, the actor admitted that watching his daughter prepare for marriage is an emotional milestone. However, he quickly praised Sheehan’s character.
“She found a great man, a great fiancé, Michael,” Stallone said on late-night television. When host Jimmy Fallon noted that dating one of Stallone’s daughters must be intimidating, the actor agreed. He added that Sheehan proved himself to be a “stand-up guy” who has “everything going.”
Asking for the Blessing and Family Dynamics
Before proposing, Sheehan approached Stallone directly to ask for his blessing. Recalling the conversation on Live with Kelly and Mark, Ripa joked that the prospective groom must have been terrified to face the action movie legend.
Mark Consuelos, the co-host, jokingly referenced a proposal scene from Rocky II, asking Stallone if Sheehan used lines from the movie. Stallone quipped back in character, joking that he promised his future son-in-law, “I won’t leave no hair in the sink.” The actor also credited his wife, Jennifer Flavin, for acting as a supportive presence during the engagement talks.
Stallone and Flavin have been married since 1997 and share three daughters: Sophia, 30, Sistine, 28, and Scarlet, 24. The actor also has two sons from a previous marriage: Seargeoh, 47, and Sage, who passed away in 2012 at the age of 36.
Balancing Family Milestones and a Busy Career
While managing the costs and emotional milestones of his children’s lives, Stallone shows no signs of slowing down professionally. Alongside handling wedding expenses, the veteran actor maintains a rigorous work schedule across film and television projects, ensuring his legendary career remains active.
