Sylvester Stallone was rejected as extra in 'The Godfather'

He may be one of the most popular stars of Hollywood, but actor Sylvester Stallone was once turned down as an extra in "The Godfather."

The 69-year-old actor, who became a star after writing and starring in the Oscar-winning film "Rocky," said he was surprised to not to get a role of an Italian in the Francis Ford Coppola-directed film, reported People magazine.

"I couldn't even get cast as an Italian. I'll never forget, there's a party scene – it's 300 guests! They said no. I said, 'What part of me didn't pass the Italian identification aspect?," Stallone said.

The actor, who this year notched his third Academy Award nomination for his supporting role in "Creed," said instead of giving up after the rejection, he decided to take control of the situation and write his own screenplay.

"Rocky" received 10 Oscar nominations at the 1977 Academy awards, winning three, best picture, best director and best film editing.