Sylvester Stallone on 'Rocky' at 50: 'You Have Nothing to Lose'

Fifty years after "Rocky" propelled Sylvester Stallone to stardom, the 80-year-old actor is sharing his perspective on struggle and success, advising those facing difficult times that "you have nothing to lose."

"Rocky," released in 1976, mirrored Stallone's own life, transitioning him from a period of extreme poverty to Oscar recognition. He recalled being so broke he had to sell his dog. "What would you tell the kid who’s sleeping on the bench at Port Authority with $80 in his pocket?" Stallone asked Fox News' Bret Baier on "Special Report" while discussing his memoir, "The Steps."

Stallone's advice is direct: "You have nothing to lose. Seriously, you have nothing to lose. With failure you don’t get shot. There’s no firing squad," he stated. "The only thing you have to lose is your peace of mind if you don’t try. At least try. You may quit halfway through, but at least say, ‘I tried.’" The actor shared that his personal motto is "I tried."

Stallone recounted a prophecy from a fortune teller in 1969 during a backpacking trip in the Pyrenees. She predicted he would find fortune by 1976, the same year "Rocky" premiered. She also foretold that a woman would bring him into the spotlight, which Stallone identified as his manager, Jane Oliver.

He also discussed his career name change, noting that early in his career he went by "Mike" before reverting to Sylvester. He felt he was drifting into obscurity and decided that if Humphrey Bogart could achieve success with his name, then "Sylvester’s not so bad."

Stallone decided to write his memoir so his children could better understand his life's journey. He described his early career education as watching multiple movie showings per night while working as an usher, taking notes from films like "MAS*H." He found this practical experience more educational than formal schooling, comparing it to learning the restaurant business by working as a waiter.

Recalling the making of "Rocky," Stallone mentioned that the iconic "go the distance" speech was almost cut from the film. He expressed strong opposition to this decision, insisting it was crucial to the movie's core message. Producers ultimately allowed him one take to film the scene, under pressure that he emphasized to the crew.

Stallone expressed shock at winning the Academy Award for Best Actor in 1977, stating he didn't expect to win. He recalled being stunned when Jack Nicholson announced his name, nearly breaking down. He dedicated the award to hardworking individuals who, like Rocky Balboa, face struggles but persevere.