Sylvester Stallone Reflects on Stunt Work: 'I Was an Idiot'

Sylvester Stallone has described himself as an "idiot" for performing his own stunts, citing a history of injuries that have led to extensive medical procedures. In a recent interview, the "Tulsa King" star revealed the significant toll his action-packed career has taken on his body, detailing numerous surgeries and ongoing pain.

Stallone recounted that after filming "Expendables," he underwent nine back operations and three neck fusions. He also suffered torn shoulders and a damaged eye, requiring lens implants. "Millions, millions of regrets," he stated about his career choices. "I have been injured many, many times... it's been brutal."

He expressed that he has never fully recovered from these procedures. "Now you have to like make peace with the pain as much as you can," Stallone said. He now advises aspiring performers to avoid his path. "Don't be a stage hawk... don't. Let the pro do it," he urged. "You cannot beat gravity when you hit the ground, you lose, and it's going to come back."

The actor also discussed his role in "Tulsa King," which is set to release its fourth season on October 16. He noted that his character, Dwight Manfredi, still has unfulfilled goals, keeping the narrative dynamic. "He still hasn't achieved his goal, just when he thinks he's arrived, another situation, another dramatic episode presents itself," Stallone explained.

The new season will introduce new challenges for Manfredi, including technological, political, and traditional adversaries, as well as internal conflicts within his crew. "So, I'm getting bombarded from all sides. Plus I have internal struggles with some of my own crew," he added.

Beyond his film career, Stallone also touched on his personal life, including his family and his relocation from California to Florida in 2024. He described the move as invigorating, stating that the change of scenery and a new social circle have been beneficial. Stallone shared that his oldest daughter, Sophia, is engaged, and he praised her fiancé for his nurturing qualities, noting it made him reflect on his own past behavior.

"Tulsa King" season 4 will premiere on Paramount+ on October 16, 2026.