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Sylvester Stallone When I was 17, Stallone had just filmed Rocky and become a worldwide phenomenon. He came to my hometown to film a period movie about a Jimmy Hoffa-like character whose early scenes are set in the Depression. The movie's producers thought my hometown of Dubuque, Iowa was the perfect place to film a Depression, sort of a ready-made backlot. Of course us locals thought it was a supreme compliment that Hollywood had recognized our picturesque town at the edge of the Mississippi River for its photogenic qualities. The town was abuzz with the most excitement it had seen and became a media center. As a photographic intern for the local newspaper, I was sent to stake out Stallone at the local hotel where the crew was staying. He came in from the airport dressed in costume and I took the photograph in a hotel elevator. Stallone loved the photograph and invited me to stay on the set, much to the studio's chagrin. Studios like to control all the stars' images. Despite his Rocky and Rambo characters, Stallone is not the stupid guy he plays in his films. I found him very funny and self-effacing and we got along quite well. He put me in the movie F.I.S.T. as his wedding photographer. I have one speaking line, "smile now!"