JP O'Malley

October 23, 2026 — 4:00pm

In the summer of 1969, while backpacking through Europe, Sylvester Stallone had his palm read. The 23-year-old longed to act but had little experience. A fortune-teller spoke about patience and persistence. She said that within seven years, dramatic changes would transpire. By 30, Stallone was a world-famous Hollywood icon. Thanks to Rocky (1976).

Stallone wrote the screenplay and played the lead role. The film tells the story of Rocky Balboa, a small-time Philadelphia boxer who takes on the heavyweight boxing champion of the world, Apollo Creed. Rocky loses. In defeat, however, he discovers dignity and respect. In a new memoir, The Steps, Stallone, who recently turned 80, revisits those seven years he spent as a struggling actor, before his lucky break. We also read about his impoverished childhood.

Sylvester Stallone’s memoir recounts his difficult upbringing and his struggles with steroids and body dysmorphia.…