Sylvester Stallone recently reflected on the enduring success of his 1976 film "Rocky" and discussed the release of his memoir, "Steps," marking five decades since the movie’s debut. The film, which earned Stallone an Oscar for Best Picture, remains a cultural touchstone depicting an underdog’s rise against the odds—a narrative that parallels Stallone’s own path from struggling actor to Hollywood icon.
During an interview in Manhattan, Stallone, who turned 80 in July, expressed a shift in self-perception, no longer identifying as an underdog. “It would be so disingenuous to say you’re an underdog, ‘as he said from his penthouse,’” he remarked, acknowledging the fortune that has accompanied his career. Stallone credits persistence and a measure of luck for his success, having built a lucrative legacy through his work in franchises like Rocky, Rambo, and The Expendables. He now stars in the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King," playing the role of mobster Dwight “The General” Manfredi.
Stallone’s memoir, released this week, offers an introspective look at his early years marked by hardship and doubt. He described the process of revisiting those memories as challenging, noting that insecurity was a crucial motivating factor in his journey. “Insecurity is a great motivator,” he said, reflecting on how it propelled his early career. Despite the difficulties, Stallone maintained that such struggles were instrumental in shaping his determination.
The timing of the memoir’s release coincides with the upcoming film "I Play Rocky," directed by Peter Farrelly and starring Anthony Ippolito, which dramatizes Stallone’s efforts to get the original film made. Stallone praised the project and the actor’s performance but clarified that he was otherwise uninvolved in the production. He described the experience as surreal: “A movie about me being in a movie,” adding that the film touches on the “fantastic journey” of bringing “Rocky” to life.
Stallone also addressed his evolving views on faith and hardships. He recounted a moment of spiritual awakening during his early career struggles, which led him to pay homage to faith in "Rocky," notably the Resurrection Boxing Gym featured in the film. He credited this sense of belief as a source of strength during difficult times, despite an initial agnosticism.
In discussing his public profile, Stallone expressed a preference to avoid being labeled a political figure, despite past honors including the Kennedy Center award presented to him by former President Donald Trump, whom he has publicly praised. He called for stronger gun control measures and criticized unnecessary military conflicts, highlighting a nuanced stance on several issues.
Maintaining a rigorous work ethic, Stallone described his dedication to his craft even after more than five decades in the industry. He emphasized the continuous effort required to stay sharp, noting his daily routine of early morning preparation for upcoming projects like "Tulsa King."
Overall, Stallone credits a combination of faith, perseverance, and a willingness to embrace hardship for his remarkable career, confirming that while “Rocky” is fiction, his own story of resilience remains very real.