He played heroes capable of withstanding the worst blows, but reality eventually caught up with Sylvester Stallone. At 80, the action cinema legend looks back bitterly on his years spent performing his own stunts. In an interview with Fox News, the American actor admits to having seriously put his health in danger.
“I have millions and millions of regrets,” says the “Rocky” and “Rambo” star. Among them, his desire to do without doubles on set. A choice whose physical consequences continue to weigh on his daily life.
Nine back operations
The filming of “Expendables”, released in 2010, notably left its mark. “After ‘Expendables,’ I had to undergo nine back operations and three cervical fusions,” he says. Added to this are serious shoulder injuries and eye problems. “It was brutal,” summarizes Stallone, who claims to have never completely regained his former physical condition.
Today, the actor explains having to learn to live with pain. And when asked if he is proud to have accomplished so many stunts, his answer is clear: “No. I think I was stupid to do that.”
He hasn’t said his last word
Building on this experience, the actor now sends a warning to young actors tempted to follow his example. “Don’t try to be smart. Let the professionals take care of it,” he advises. His lesson can be summed up in one formula: “We cannot defeat gravity. When you hit the ground, you lose, and the consequences eventually catch up with you.”
Despite these after-effects, Sylvester Stallone has not said his last word on screen. In particular, he continues his adventure in the series “Tulsa King”, the fourth season of which is announced for October 16 on Paramount+.
