As he turns 80, the Hollywood icon is opening up about the hardships, rejection and determination behind his extraordinary rise to fame.

LOS ANGELES, CA — Before Sylvester Stallone became one of Hollywood’s most recognizable action stars, his journey was marked by rejection, financial struggles and years of uncertainty. Now, as he enters his 80th year, Stallone is looking back at those difficult years in his upcoming memoir, The Steps: A Memoir.

Set for release on September 29, 2026, through William Morrow, the 304-page memoir promises an intimate look at the experiences that shaped the man behind Rocky. Rather than focusing primarily on decades of Hollywood success, Stallone turns his attention to the difficult road he traveled before finding his breakthrough.

The title The Steps carries an obvious connection to the famous Philadelphia Museum of Art steps featured in Rocky. But for Stallone, the image represents more than one of cinema’s most recognizable moments. It reflects the idea of moving forward one step at a time, even when success seems almost impossible.

Stallone has spoken about arriving in New York in the late 1960s while struggling financially and trying to establish himself as an actor and writer. His distinctive speech and facial appearance, caused by a birth injury, also became obstacles during his early career, with casting opportunities often difficult to secure.

His determination eventually produced Rocky, the 1976 film he wrote and starred in. Stallone famously resisted lucrative offers for his screenplay because he wanted to play Rocky Balboa himself — a decision that helped transform the character into one of the most enduring figures in film history.

For Stallone, the memoir is also about the power of writing and perseverance. Looking back at his life at 80, he presents The Steps as a story about taking setbacks, continuing forward and refusing to accept the idea that success is out of reach.

Adding another personal touch to the project, Stallone narrates the audiobook himself, allowing fans to hear his story in his own unmistakable voice.

Five decades after Rocky introduced audiences to the ultimate underdog, The Steps offers Stallone an opportunity to tell the story behind the fighter — not just the victories, but the difficult climb that came before them