Sylvester Stallone Reflects on 'Rocky' 50 Years Later: 'I Am a Lucky Dog'

Fifty years after Sylvester Stallone achieved one of Hollywood's greatest upsets with "Rocky," the Oscar-winning star still sees himself in the character that personifies the underdog's triumph over doubters. However, Stallone now acknowledges he no longer fits the underdog description, stating from his penthouse, "It would be so disingenuous to say you’re an underdog, ‘as he said from his penthouse.’ Yeah. Come on. I am a lucky dog.”

Stallone, who celebrated his 80th birthday in July, has become one of history's most successful movie stars and filmmakers. His career has generated billions through major franchises like "Rocky," "Rambo," and "The Expendables," and he has portrayed some of cinema's most memorable characters. He remains actively involved in the industry, currently starring as mobster Dwight “The General" Manfredi in the Paramount+ series "Tulsa King."

His memoir, "Steps," released on Tuesday, revisits his early years as a struggling actor and writer. The book's release precedes that of a fictionalized, semi-authorized film about his life, Peter Farrelly's "I Play Rocky," starring Anthony Ippolito. Stallone, though not directly involved in the film, consulted with Farrelly.

"Rocky," which famously beat out films like "Taxi Driver" and "All the President's Men" for the Best Picture Oscar, is a movie whose backstory enhances its appeal. Stallone's own path from the streets of Philadelphia to the Academy Awards stage mirrors his character's improbable rise.

In "Steps," Stallone describes himself as a hard-luck case, an unplanned child who faced constant discouragement throughout the production of "Rocky," fearing each day on set might be his last. He was in Manhattan to promote his book, though he spends much of his time at his Florida estate with his wife, Jennifer Flavin. Even when discussing his good fortune, Stallone maintains a humble demeanor, speaking with a warmth that suggests a sense of disbelief.

Last year, Stallone was honored with a Kennedy Center award, presented by President Donald Trump, who had previously named Stallone, Jon Voight, and Mel Gibson as "ambassadors" from Hollywood. While Stallone has referred to Trump as "the second George Washington," he has also contributed to both Republican and Democratic campaigns and diverged from conservative stances by advocating for stricter gun control. He has also spoken out against war, including the Iran War, calling it a "meat grinder" that benefits the military-industrial complex.

"I do believe that you have to defend yourself. But to go on the offensive?” Stallone questioned, expressing a preference to avoid being labeled a "political figure." He added, "I love the common architecture of trying to just survive. That’s noble. To be a politician, that’s a different animal.”

Reflections on Career and Inspiration

Stallone discussed fate, insecurity, and the potential benefits of an unhappy childhood during his interview. He explained that he had avoided writing about his life, describing it as an "ambivalent roller coaster ride." Instead, he wanted to focus on the inspiration behind "Rocky," seeing it as a way to share the origin of a character that represented hope.

He described the process of writing his memoir as a difficult excavation of his past, comparing it to discovering a lost city. "It’s like you come across a lost city, and you start to become your own spiritual archaeologist, digging down. And it’s not pretty," he admitted. Stallone emphasized that he didn't want the book to be a tale of woe, acknowledging that many face greater hardships. He aimed to capture the essence of his journey, recognizing that his drive might stem from his past insecurities.

"Insecurity is a great motivator," Stallone stated, relating it to his current work ethic, where he prepares his dialogue for "Tulsa King" meticulously, even before necessary. He acknowledged this rigorous approach might be rooted in insecurity but sees it as his method.

Stallone noted that his connection with younger audiences, particularly on platforms like TikTok, is not personal but rather through the enduring appeal of his characters. "They're not relating to me. It's that character," he said.

Looking back, Stallone considers the success of "Rocky" the "greatest gift." He initially wrote the simple story hoping for limited distribution, stating, "I didn’t ever expect it to be in more than one or two theaters. So all this is a tsunami of good luck. It ('Rocky') tapped into something that I cannot take credit for."

He recounted being at his lowest point at age 29, facing numerous rejections. During this period, he experienced an epiphany in his backyard, seeking spiritual guidance. Stallone, who identified as agnostic, described a moment of renewed faith that night. This experience is subtly referenced in the first scene of "Rocky," filmed at a boxing club named "The Resurrection."

Stallone attributes his physical ailments, including multiple surgeries, to his hands-on approach to his career. "There are no free lunches. I’ve had back operations, neck surgeries, both shoulders, heart — you name it. And it’s all because ... you do it yourself. There was a necessity to feel it. You’re not going to be like the other guys. You’re going to do it, which is completely wrong (laughs)," he explained.

He finds the upcoming film "I Play Rocky" to be a strange and surreal experience. "How strange is this? A movie about me being in a movie," he remarked. Stallone praised the young actor Anthony Ippolito's performance and acknowledged director Peter Farrelly's vision. "It’s fantastic. And the kid (Ippolito) did a great job. This is so odd. They usually do this when you’re dead and gone," Stallone said. "It's 50 years almost to the day when it came out and if he gets nominated ... It’s so surreal. I have to give Peter Farrelly, the director (credit). I never in a million years had any confidence this would work. But he said that to the everyday person, this is kind of a fantastic journey. Rocky is fiction, this is real. And that's what people are holding on to."