Sylvester Stallone has revealed that he became bulimic and used steroids during the period he transformed his physique for the 'Rocky' movies, according to reports from The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and The New York Times. Variety reported that Stallone, in an interview with The New York Times, described the experience as an 'obsessive body-worship kind of thing' and referred to the 'terrible toll' of steroid use.
The Hollywood Reporter said the 80-year-old actor recalled the period as one where his physique became an 'obsession.' The New York Times framed its report around Stallone discussing his 'disturbing childhood,' his 'Hollywood missteps,' and pain he caused to loved ones, his body and himself.
Separately, Fox News and Newsmax reported that Stallone described an abusive childhood in his upcoming memoir. Fox News said the memoir details his father's 'brutal beatings' and a mother who 'never hugged him,' which the outlet said shaped the intensity behind his 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' roles. Newsmax also reported that Stallone, at 80, acknowledged a troubled childhood and challenges he faced in Hollywood.
According to the New York Post, Stallone also claimed he was nearly injured in an attack while in a psychiatric ward, describing his attacker as 'big, had no hair, always naked, rotten teeth.' This claim was reported only by the New York Post.
How each side covered it
Left
- The Hollywood Reporter and Variety reported Stallone became bulimic and used steroids while transforming for 'Rocky.'
- Variety quoted Stallone describing the process as an 'obsessive body-worship kind of thing' and referencing a 'terrible toll.'
- The New York Times centered its report on Stallone discussing his childhood, Hollywood missteps, and personal pain.
“Sylvester Stallone Says He ‘Became Bulimic’ After Transforming for ‘Rocky’ and Opens Up About the ‘Terrible Toll’ of Steroid Use: It Was An ‘Obsessive Body-Worship Kind of Thing’” — Variety
Right
- Fox News and Newsmax reported Stallone described an abusive childhood in his upcoming memoir.
- Fox News detailed claims of beatings from his father and a mother who never hugged him.
- The New York Post reported a separate, single-source claim that Stallone was nearly injured in a psychiatric ward attack.
“Sylvester Stallone's upcoming memoir reveals his father's brutal beatings and a mother who never hugged him, shaping the ferocity behind "Rocky" and "Rambo."” — Fox News
Questions readers ask
What did Sylvester Stallone reveal about his health during the 'Rocky' films?
Sylvester Stallone said he became bulimic and used steroids while transforming his body to play the boxer in the 'Rocky' films, according to The Hollywood Reporter, Variety and The New York Times.
What did Sylvester Stallone say about his childhood?
According to Fox News and Newsmax, Stallone described an abusive childhood in his upcoming memoir, including beatings from his father and a mother who never hugged him.
Did left- and right-leaning outlets focus on different parts of Stallone's story?
Left-leaning outlets emphasized Stallone's disclosures about bulimia, steroid use and body image, while right-leaning outlets focused more on his abusive childhood and a claimed psychiatric ward attack.
What is the psychiatric ward attack claim about?
The New York Post reported that Stallone claimed he was nearly injured in an attack while in a psychiatric ward, describing his attacker in specific physical terms; no other outlet in the supplied material reported this claim.
Sources · 7 outlet reports
- The Hollywood ReporterLeft-leaningSylvester Stallone Says He Became Bulimic While Filming ‘Rocky’ Movies, Used Steroids
- The New York TimesLeft-leaningSylvester Stallone Hid His Struggles for Decades. Now He’s Coming Clean.
- VarietyLeft-leaningSylvester Stallone Says He ‘Became Bulimic’ After Transforming for ‘Rocky’ and Opens Up About the ‘Terrible Toll’ of Steroid Use: It Was An ‘Obsessive Body-Worship Kind of Thing’
- DeadlineCenterSylvester Stallone Thought His Dad Would “Be Proud” To Make ‘Rocky’ Cameo: “It Got Really Nasty”
- Fox NewsRight-leaningSylvester Stallone shares harrowing new details about abusive childhood
- New York PostRight-leaningSylvester Stallone reveals bulimia struggle and steroid use while filming his most iconic role
- NewsmaxRight-leaningSylvester Stallone at 80: Admits Troubled Childhood, Hollywood Challenges