Sylvester Stallone has cemented his status as an iconic figure in action cinema, garnering widespread acclaim for his performances across various blockbuster franchises. One of his most notable portrayals, of course, is that of resilient boxer Rocky Balboa in the beloved Rocky series, where he plays an underdog who rises to greatness. Also, his embodiment of the battle-hardened Vietnam War veteran John Rambo in the action-packed Rambo franchise has left an indelible mark on audiences worldwide.
What sets Stallone apart as an actor is not just his physicality, but also his ability to infuse his characters with a profound sense of depth and authenticity. Throughout his career, he has been known to push the boundaries of his physical capabilities, often performing his own stunts to lend a sense of realism to his roles. However, this dedication to authenticity has not been without its consequences.
Sylvester Stallone says performing his stunts adversely affected his health
In the fourth episode of the second season of Paramount+ reality TV series The Family Stallone, the actor, alongside his brother Frank and actor Frank Grillo, engaged in a boxing session. During this session, Grillo, curious about Stallone’s well-being, questioned the action star about his health.
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Stallone responded by attributing his current health issues to his involvement in performing his stunts for The Expendables when he was 62. He recounted a particular fight scene with wrestler Stone Cold Steve Austin, during which Stallone suffered a broken neck, leading to surgery to address a hairline fracture, as well as six other surgical procedures.
As Stallone nears his 80s, he still battles with the lasting impact of his bold actions during the filming of The Expendables. Despite his enduring stature as a cinematic icon, Stallone has learned invaluable lessons from his encounters with physical strain and danger.
Now, he has embraced a new role as an advocate, using his own experiences to caution fellow actors against risking their well-being by attempting their stunts. “I thought I was going to be OK, I had my back operation, which is why you should never do your stunts. After that film, I was literally, physically, never the same So, I warn people, don’t do your own stunts,” he confessed humorously to Grillo. “But anyway, if they ever need a remake of The Hunchback of Notre Dame, I’m ready.”