Sylvester Stallone revealed he developed an eating disorder and relied on steroids to achieve his iconic physique for the Rocky films, describing the toll on his health and mental state in a candid interview.
Sylvester Stallone, 80, has openly discussed the extreme measures he took to build his muscular frame for the Rocky films, including a dangerous eating disorder and steroid use, in a revealing interview with the New York Times. The actor, known for his physically demanding roles, described how his obsession with fitness led to a body fat percentage of 2.6% during the production of Rocky III, a level he called an obsessive body-worship kind of thing.
The Toll of Obsessive Bodybuilding
The actor, who also starred in the Rambo films, reflected on how his focus on physical perfection shaped his career. It was my armour,
he said, comparing his Rocky character to a feral and aggressive
warrior. However, the pressure took a psychological toll. It got to the point where I became bulimic,
he admitted, adding, I couldn't keep anything down. Or didn't want to, because I became so obsessed with staying in shape.
A Candid Reckoning with Health and Legacy
The book, which references the Philadelphia Museum of Art stairs from the original Rocky film, delves into his troubled childhood, including his father’s abuse and the emotional trauma that fueled his drive. There was a cat making noise outside the house.
He went out, got the cat, took it into the laundry room, shot it and left it in the wash tub.
I think he did that to impress me,
Stallone recalled, linking his harsh upbringing to his resilience in Hollywood.
The actor also discussed his mental health struggles, including panic attacks that began at age 36. The first time was when I was 36, and I was watching dailies, and then all of a sudden I stood up, and the hair on my neck went up, and I started getting hot,
he said. Despite his physical decline, Stallone expressed a desire to stay in good shape,
even as he acknowledged the “terrible” toll of his lifestyle.
The Unseen Cost of Iconic Roles
Stallone’s candid interview highlights the often-overlooked health sacrifices behind Hollywood’s action heroes. While his physique became a cultural symbol, the actor admitted, “It wasn’t until I did Cop Land, when I had to play the weakest guy in the room… that I felt somewhat liberated.” The contrast between his rugged on-screen persona and his off-screen struggles underscores the personal cost of maintaining such a demanding image.
Stallone’s story serves as a stark reminder of the physical and psychological demands of bodybuilding for performance, a practice he described as not as though you're a junkie, but if you're going to work out and try to stay in shape for six months straight, and you're eating yoghurt and pudding, it's not happening.
For readers seeking support, Stallone’s interview includes a reference to the National Alliance on Mental Illness helpline, emphasizing the importance of addressing mental health challenges amid physical demands.