‘Became an obsession’: Sylvester Stallone reveals bulimia struggle, grim school attack
Actor Sylvester Stallone reveals in his memoir that he struggled with bulimia and steroid use while preparing for his role in Rocky III. He describes the extreme physical demands of the role as an obsession that took a significant toll on his health.
Why it matters
The disclosure highlights the hidden health risks and psychological pressures faced by Hollywood actors to achieve unrealistic physical standards.
Share article Hollywood actor Sylvester Stallone admitted to abusing steroids and struggling with bulimia while preparing for 1982’s Rocky III film .
The 80-year-old recounted the most difficult parts of his life in his upcoming memoir The Steps and in a wide-ranging profile published in The New York Times .
Sylvester Stallone’s memoir The Steps recounts his difficult upbringing as well as his struggle with steroid and body dysmorphia during the height of his fame. Getty
“Then it became an obsession,” Stallone told The New York Times , referencing the extreme measures he took to maintain his physique.
“Really bad. It got to the point where I became bulimic. You heard it here first. I got down to 2.6 per cent body fat when I was doing Rocky III , and I couldn’t hold anything down,” he said.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in