Sylvester Stallone, now 80, is candidly discussing the difficult aspects of his life and career in his new memoir, "The Steps." He reveals that he did not attend his mother Jackie Stallone's funeral, a decision stemming from a complicated and unconventional relationship with his flamboyant mother, who was a celebrity astrologer.
Stallone recounts that his mother, who died in September 2020 at age 98, would often make cutting remarks about his existence. He also shared an anecdote where she refused to attend the 1977 Oscars, where his film "Rocky" was nominated for Best Picture, because he wouldn't allow her to bring her hairdresser as her plus-one. Stallone suggests his mother's own unfulfilled aspirations as a performer contributed to her detachment, stating, "Some people just shouldn’t have children." He believes this lack of parental love, however, became a source of his creativity, noting, "It’s the ones that have all the issues that usually end up being the most creative."
His relationship with his father, Frank Sr., was also emotionally distant. "My father waited till his deathbed to give advice on love," Stallone said. The actor also detailed the profound grief he experienced with the death of his eldest son, Sage, in 2012 at age 36 due to a heart attack. He recalled receiving the news via a blunt phone call that left him devastated.
Stallone's own emotional struggles, accumulated over decades, nearly led to the end of his marriage to Jennifer Flavin. She filed for divorce in August 2022, but the couple reconciled weeks later. Stallone dedicated his memoir to Flavin, calling her love a "beautiful miracle."
"The Steps" delves into Stallone's challenging childhood, beginning in a small apartment in Hell's Kitchen. Shipped to a boarding house at age two and later to an institution for troubled teens, Stallone experienced significant hardship. He describes a particularly traumatic incident at age 17 in an institution's punishment block, referred to as the "Snake Pit," where he was physically assaulted.
Stallone reflects on how suppressing memories can lead to an emotional eruption later in life. He also touches upon the physical toll of his career, including extensive surgeries resulting from extreme dedication to his physique during filming, such as his preparation for "Rocky III," which involved bulimia and very low body fat. He also admits to steroid use.
Despite a childhood marked by emotional and physical difficulties, Stallone pursued his acting dreams with unwavering determination. He wrote the screenplay for "Rocky" during a period of career stagnation and famously refused to sell it unless he was cast in the lead role, a gamble that ultimately launched him to stardom.
Now, as he approaches the end of his life, Stallone views time as his most valuable currency. He is currently starring in the Paramount show "Tulsa King," which he feels allows him to perform in a more authentic way. He stated, "I have nothing to prove. I have no more tricks in the bag. You’ve seen the magician."