American actor Sylvester Stallone has revealed that his efforts to maintain the muscular physique associated with his action-film roles took a serious toll on his health, including leading to bulimia and steroid use.
Stallone, 80, made the revelations in an interview with The New York Times published on September 26, 2026, as he reflected on his decades-long career, his relationship with his body and the physical demands of Hollywood action films.
Bodybuilding Became an Obsession
Stallone said his pursuit of a particular physique became especially intense in the 1980s as he developed the physical appearance he wanted for his roles in Rocky and Rambo.
He explained that he initially viewed Rocky Balboa as an ordinary-looking boxer but later wanted the character to appear more muscular and athletic. For Rambo, he sought a more aggressive, animal-like physique.
However, his focus on maintaining that appearance eventually became an obsession. “It became an obsession. Really bad. It got to the point where I became bulimic,” Stallone told The New York Times.
The actor also disclosed using anabolic steroids while trying to achieve and maintain his desired physique. He said that while preparing for Rocky III, he reached an extremely low body fat level of 2.6 per cent and struggled with his relationship with food and physical fitness.
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Cop Land’ Changed His Relationship With His Body
A turning point came with Cop Land, the 1997 crime drama in which Stallone played Freddy Heflin, a small-town sheriff whose appearance and character differed significantly from the action heroes he had portrayed in Rocky and Rambo. Stallone said the role helped him feel liberated from the pressure to maintain the same muscular image.
His reflections also highlighted the physical consequences of performing demanding action roles over several decades. He said he had undergone nine back operations, two shoulder operations and three neck-fusion procedures.
Looking back, Stallone said he would have made different decisions, particularly by allowing trained professionals to perform dangerous stunts instead of doing them himself. He described the physical cost of his career as severe, acknowledging that his determination to maintain his fitness had come at a significant personal price.
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Memoir Explores His Life and Career
The revelations come as Stallone prepares to release his memoir, The Steps, scheduled for publication on September 29, 2026.
The book explores different stages of his life, including his difficult childhood, rise to Hollywood fame, personal struggles and the experiences that shaped his career. His interview with The New York Times forms part of his broader reflection on the impact of fame and his demanding professional life.
Stallone’s account offers a personal perspective on the physical pressures behind the action-star image that helped make him one of Hollywood’s most recognisable actors.
