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Sylvester Stallone reflects on career, 'Rocky' and personal life at 92NY event

Actor Sylvester Stallone, 80, spoke with journalist Tracy Smith at New York's 92nd Street Y about his life and career, including the 50th anniversary of 'Rocky,' as part of a press tour for his new memoir, 'Steps.'

By The Lumen desk · Sept 30, 2026 · 1 min read
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What we know
1 Sylvester Stallone, 80, spoke with Tracy Smith at New York's 92nd Street Y (92NY).
2 The conversation coincided with the release of his memoir 'Steps' and the 50th anniversary of 'Rocky.'
3 According to Variety, Stallone said superhero bodies aren't 'natural' and likened steroid use to wearing a costume.
4 According to Fox News, Stallone discussed struggling with bulimia during his career peak.
5 According to the New York Post, Stallone discussed skipping his mother's funeral and the death of his son.

Sylvester Stallone, 80, sat down with CBS Sunday Morning correspondent Tracy Smith for a 50-minute conversation before a live audience at New York's 92nd Street Y, according to CBS News and Variety.

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The event was part of a press tour for Stallone's new memoir, 'Steps,' which was released the day of the conversation, according to Variety. The discussion touched on the making of 'Rocky,' which marks its 50th anniversary, and his early career struggles.

According to Variety, Stallone said superhero movie physiques aren't 'natural' and compared using steroids to bulk up to 'putting on part of a costume.'

According to Fox News, Stallone discussed a battle with bulimia during the peak of his career.

According to the New York Post, Stallone also spoke about not attending his mother Jackie's funeral, the difficulties of fame, and the death of his son, saying of his mother, 'Some people just shouldn't have children.'

How each side covered it

Left

3 outlets
  • CBS News highlighted the live 92NY conversation with correspondent Tracy Smith.
  • Variety reported on the memoir 'Steps' and Stallone's comments comparing steroid use to wearing a costume.
  • Associated Press framed the story around Stallone turning 80 and reflecting on 'Rocky' at its 50th anniversary.

“Sylvester Stallone Says Superhero Movie Bodies Aren’t ‘Natural’ and Taking Steroids to Bulk Up Is Like ‘Putting on Part of a Costume’” — Variety

Center

1 outlet
  • NewsNation reported on Stallone reflecting on 'Rocky' fifty years after its release, at age 80.

“Stallone at 80 reflects on ‘Rocky’ 50 years later: ‘I am a lucky dog’” — NewsNation

Right

3 outlets
  • The Washington Times covered the 92NY conversation event.
  • Fox News reported Stallone opened up about a bulimia battle during his career peak.
  • New York Post reported Stallone discussed not attending his mother's funeral, stardom's difficulties, and his son's death.

“Sylvester Stallone, 80, gets candid about his life — including not attending his mom’s funeral, the perils of stardom and death of his son” — New York Post

Questions readers ask

What did Sylvester Stallone discuss at the 92NY event?

Sylvester Stallone spoke with journalist Tracy Smith about his career, the making of 'Rocky' on its 50th anniversary, and his new memoir 'Steps,' according to CBS News and Variety. He also touched on personal topics including body image in superhero films, an eating disorder, and family matters.

Why is Sylvester Stallone doing this press tour now?

The conversation was tied to the release of his memoir 'Steps' and the 50th anniversary of 'Rocky,' according to Variety.

What did Stallone say about superhero movie bodies?

According to Variety, Stallone said superhero movie physiques aren't 'natural' and compared taking steroids to bulk up to 'putting on part of a costume.'

What personal struggles did Stallone reveal?

According to Fox News, Stallone discussed battling bulimia during his career peak. According to the New York Post, he also spoke about not attending his mother's funeral and the death of his son.

How did coverage differ across outlets?

Left-leaning and center outlets focused on the 92NY conversation format and Stallone's reflections on 'Rocky' turning 50, while right-leaning outlets emphasized more personal revelations, including his eating disorder and family relationships, according to the supplied reports.

Sources · 7 outlet reports

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