‘Tulsa King’ Star Sylvester Stallone Reflects on His Volatile Pursuit of Success

Sylvester Stallone has long been the quintessential underdog in Hollywood. Now at 80, with ‘Rocky’ celebrating its 50th anniversary, the actor has shared his journey in a memoir titled ‘The Steps’, published by William Morrow on September 29.

The book chronicles his life from his arrival in New York City in 1969 to the 1977 Academy Awards, detailing a challenging childhood and years of being underestimated. In interviews surrounding the release, Stallone expressed his gratitude and desire to share his story with others.

The memoir was launched with a live discussion at 92NY on September 28, moderated by Tracy Smith of ‘CBS Sunday Morning’. The event provided insights into the grit that fueled his career and touched on the creation of ‘Rocky’ and John Rambo.

While many celebrity memoirs focus on light-hearted stories, Stallone chose to delve into more uncomfortable truths.

During the event, as reported by People, Stallone reflected on his early to mid-30s, a time he described as a “proving” period where he became “very volatile, angry, ‘I told you so,’ vindictive.”

This admission resonates deeply, especially considering that ‘Rocky’ earned him Oscar nominations for Best Actor and Best Original Screenplay at the age of 30, a time when many would expect him to be celebrating his success.

Stallone clarified that his success didn’t feel as fulfilling as it might appear from the outside. He expressed regret for not appreciating his achievements at that time, wishing he had embraced the moment instead of continuing to strive for more.

He noted that he struggled to turn off his drive, revealing a vulnerable side to an actor known for his tough persona.

The memoir provides context for Stallone’s relentless pursuit of success, detailing a childhood marked by feelings of being unplanned and unwanted, years of hardship as an aspiring actor and writer, and a spiritual awakening along the way.

Stallone has been candid in other interviews as well. In a conversation with Gayle King on ‘CBS Mornings’ last December, he shared the lingering sadness of his parents not attending the Oscars when he won for ‘Rocky’, emphasizing that children are like soft clay and that he still bears those emotional scars.

An excerpt published by CBS News highlights the inspiration behind the film. Stallone realized that many people resonate with feelings of abandoned dreams and missed opportunities, likening life to a boxing match—a continuous struggle against oneself, external challenges, and time.

This realization led him to create a boxer as his protagonist, ultimately shaping cinematic history. The memoir strongly argues that the character’s iconic perseverance mirrors Stallone’s own battles.

The timing of the memoir’s release is strategic. ‘I Play Rocky’, directed by Peter Farrelly and featuring Anthony Ippolito as a young Stallone, is set to premiere in November from Amazon MGM Studios. The film narrates the story of an aspiring actor determined to write and star in ‘Rocky’, featuring Matt Dillon, AnnaSophia Robb, Toby Kebbell, and Tracy Letts.

Stallone does not appear in the film, but with the memoir, interviews, and biopic, the ‘Rocky’ origin story is being thoroughly revisited.

Stallone’s reflections align with a broader trend among veteran stars who are increasingly candid about the realities of fame, moving away from mythologizing their journeys to discussing the true costs. His acknowledgment of pushing forward, even when it was unhealthy, is likely to resonate with anyone who has pursued a goal beyond the point of enjoyment.

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