Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone has openly defended casting his daughter, Scarlet Rose Stallone, in the Paramount+ crime drama Tulsa King, acknowledging that family connections helped her secure the opportunity.
In an interview with USA Today, Stallone addressed criticism over Scarlet’s casting, arguing that parents naturally want to provide their children with opportunities to succeed.
“Of course it’s nepotism,” Stallone said, defending his decision to help his daughter enter the entertainment industry. He added that parents want the best for their children and are inclined to give them every possible advantage.
Stallone, 80, stars in Tulsa King as Dwight “The General” Manfredi, a mafia figure sent to Oklahoma after serving time in prison. Scarlet, 24, plays Spencer, a stablehand who has appeared in the series since its debut. Her character is expected to have a larger role in the ongoing fourth season.
Stallone Says Career Success Depends on Performance
While acknowledging the advantages Scarlet received through her family connections, Stallone stressed that securing an opportunity does not guarantee long-term success.
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“Can they maintain that level of excellence? That’s out of our hands,” he said.
The actor explained that opening doors for young performers is one thing, but sustaining a career while performing in front of millions of viewers requires the ability to meet professional expectations.
His remarks address the wider debate surrounding nepotism in Hollywood, where the children and relatives of established entertainers sometimes receive opportunities through family connections.
Scarlet Says Working With Her Father Strengthened Their Bond
Scarlet has also discussed how working alongside her father has influenced their personal relationship.
During an interview with People at PaleyFest NY on October 10, she said their professional collaboration had changed their dynamic.
She explained that working together had allowed them to spend time with each other in a different setting, helping them grow closer and develop greater mutual respect.
The experience has given the father and daughter an opportunity to build a working relationship alongside their existing family bond.
Scarlet Stallone’s Acting Career
Beyond Tulsa King, Scarlet appeared in the 2025 films Hunting Season and Gunslingers.
Her role in the crime drama represents a prominent collaboration with her father, whose decades-long Hollywood career includes iconic film franchises such as Rocky and Rambo.
As Scarlet’s role in Tulsa King expands, Stallone’s comments have brought renewed attention to the debate over family connections in the entertainment industry and the distinction between receiving an opportunity and sustaining professional success.
