Sylvester Stallone, 80, in 'Panic Mode' About Death as He Comes Clean About Bulimia Battle

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At 80, Sylvester Stallone is looking back on a career that made him one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action stars — and confronting some of the personal costs that came with it.

In a candid interview with The New York Times, the Rocky and Rambo star opened up about his complicated relationship with his body, revealing that his obsession with staying muscular during the height of his fame led him to develop bulimia and use steroids.

He also spoke candidly about aging and his fear of running out of time, saying he is in “panic mode” as he thinks about the end of his life.

“It Became an Obsession”

Stallone said his relationship with his physique initially felt like part of his work as an actor.

As he moved from playing Rocky Balboa to the more muscular, physically imposing character of John Rambo, he began designing his body around the roles. Eventually, however, the pursuit of the perfect physique became an obsession.

“It became an obsession. Really bad,” Stallone said. He revealed that he eventually became bulimic while preparing for Rocky III, reaching approximately 2.6% body fat and struggling to keep food down.

The actor said his extreme focus on his appearance became a form of “body worship,” with his physique serving as what he once considered his “armor.”

Stallone Admits to Steroid Use

Stallone also acknowledged using steroids during his career, particularly as he pushed himself to maintain the muscular appearance required for his action roles.

He said the drugs ultimately “took a terrible toll” on his body.

Looking back, Stallone said he now regrets the physical risks he took in pursuit of his screen image. He has undergone nine back operations, two shoulder operations and three neck fusions, according to his interview.

“I've abused my body,” Stallone said, acknowledging that his commitment to doing his own stunts and maintaining an extreme level of fitness came with lasting consequences.

“It’s Come at a Terrible Price”

Stallone said he remains committed to staying in shape, but his relationship with fitness has changed dramatically.

At 80, he said he still exercises and considers himself “sort of fit,” but acknowledged that maintaining his health now requires medication.

“If I could do it over again,” he told The New York Times, “I would say, let someone else carry the banner and don't do your own stunts.”

He described the physical price of his career as significant, saying the injuries accumulated over decades have left him dealing with the consequences of decisions he made when he was younger.

Stallone Is “In Panic Mode” About Death

Perhaps the most emotional part of the interview came when Stallone was asked how he feels about having more years behind him than ahead of him.

His answer was blunt.

“In panic mode.”

Stallone explained that as he gets older, he has become increasingly aware of the limited time he has left and the regrets he still carries.

He compared those regrets to a “castle” he has built over the years and said he is trying to make amends in whatever ways he can.

At 80, he said he wants to concentrate on the people who need him and on helping those he loves build lives and legacies of their own.

“Never Too Old to Be in Love”

Despite his fears about aging, Stallone's reflections were not entirely bleak.

He said he does not want to spend his remaining years consumed by regret or loneliness.

“You're never too old to be in love,” he said, adding that people should continue to embrace the good memories they have made rather than becoming trapped in loneliness.

That perspective appears to be at the heart of Stallone's new memoir, The Steps, which examines his childhood, Hollywood career, family relationships, regrets and the experiences that shaped him.

Looking Back at Rocky

Stallone's reflections arrive as the world marks the 50th anniversary of Rocky, the film that transformed him from a struggling actor and screenwriter into an international star.

His memoir arrives ahead of I Play Rocky, a new film about the making of the original Rocky. The movie stars Anthony Ippolito as Stallone and is scheduled for a theatrical release beginning in November.

After five decades in the spotlight, Stallone is now looking at the legacy he created — and the personal sacrifices that came with it.

For an actor who spent much of his career portraying men who refused to quit, his latest chapter may be less about proving how tough he can be and more about coming to terms with everything it took to get there.

Source: ET