Sylvester Stallone releases memoir detailing career and health struggles

At 80 years old, actor Sylvester Stallone is releasing his memoir, ‘The Steps,’ offering a candid look at his life, career, and personal struggles. The book details his journey from poverty in New York City to global stardom through the ‘Rocky’ and ‘Rambo’ franchises.

Stallone reveals significant physical and mental health challenges faced during his peak years. He admits to using steroids and developing bulimia to achieve the extreme muscle definition required for roles like Rocky III, at one point reaching a body fat percentage of 2.6 percent. He also reflects on the long-term physical toll, noting he has undergone numerous surgeries on his back, shoulders, and neck.

The memoir touches on his difficult upbringing with abusive parents and the emotional impact of his family’s absence during his 1977 Academy Award win for ‘Rocky.’ He also recounts early struggles, such as cleaning lion cages at the Central Park Zoo to pay rent. Looking forward, Stallone expresses a desire to remain active in the industry as an actor, director, and producer, stating he intends to ‘give it full throttle’ with the time he has left.