Summary (tl;dr)

Sylvester Stallone is currently trending due to the upcoming release of his new memoir, "The Steps," which has led to candid revelations about his past struggles with steroid use, bulimia, and a teenage stay in a mental institution. He is also in the news for promoting his vodka brand in Las Vegas and for recently commenting on his unexpected appointment as a "special ambassador" to Hollywood by former President Donald Trump.

Essential Background

Sylvester Stallone is a celebrated American actor, screenwriter, and director, widely recognized for his iconic roles as boxer Rocky Balboa and soldier John Rambo. Throughout his career, which spans nearly five decades, he has been a prominent figure in Hollywood action films. In January 2025, former President Donald Trump publicly announced his intention to appoint Stallone, alongside Mel Gibson and Jon Voight, as "special ambassadors" to Hollywood, tasked with revitalizing the film industry. Stallone has also been a brand ambassador and investor in Carbonadi vodka.

The Full Story

Sylvester Stallone is making headlines this week as he promotes his forthcoming memoir, "The Steps," set to be published on September 29, 2026. In recent interviews tied to the book's release, the 80-year-old actor has shared deeply personal details, including admitting to using steroids and struggling with bulimia during his intensive physique training for roles like Rocky Balboa and John Rambo. He also recounted a harrowing experience as a teenager when he was sent to a mental institution, describing it as a "snake pit" where he was "attacked".

Simultaneously, Stallone was in Las Vegas for the "Drink Las Vegas" event, promoting Carbonadi vodka, a brand in which he is both an ambassador and a partner. During his visit, he also made an appearance at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health. Adding to his trending status, Stallone recently addressed his surprising appointment by former President Donald Trump as a "special ambassador" to Hollywood in 2025. He revealed he was blindsided by the announcement, learning of it through television, and told Trump that the role would be "impossible" to fulfill given the complex nature of the film industry. Furthermore, he recently used Instagram to advocate for streaming platforms to make his 1984 musical "Rhinestone," co-starring the late Dolly Parton, more widely available, calling it one of his favorite films outside of "Rocky".

Why It Matters

The candid revelations from Stallone's new memoir offer fans an intimate look into the often-hidden struggles behind his public image, challenging the narrative of unyielding strength associated with his most famous characters. His admissions about steroid use and bulimia shed light on the immense physical pressures in Hollywood, while his account of a teenage stay in a mental institution provides a deeper understanding of his personal history and resilience. His comments regarding the "special ambassador" role offer a unique perspective from within Hollywood on political attempts to influence the industry, sparking discussion about the practicalities of such government appointments. Meanwhile, his promotional activities for Carbonadi vodka and his upcoming "Tulsa King" season highlight his ongoing entrepreneurial ventures and continued presence in entertainment.

Geographic Location

• Las Vegas, Nevada, United States (promoting Carbonadi vodka at "Drink Las Vegas" and appearing at the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health)
• New York City, New York, United States (upcoming appearance at the 92nd Street Y to discuss his memoir)
• Pennsylvania, United States (location of Devereux Manor High School, where Stallone stayed as a teenager)
• Washington, D.C., District of Columbia, United States (location of the White House, from where former President Trump announced the "special ambassador" role and where Stallone received Kennedy Center Honors)