Sylvester Stallone, the iconic star best known for his role in the “Rocky” series, has shared disturbing insights into his experiences at a residential facility for troubled teens, which he attended following expulsion from twelve schools. Ahead of the release of his memoir, titled “The Steps,” set for publication on September 29, the 80-year-old actor reflected on the horrors he encountered at the institution.
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In his upcoming book, Stallone details how he found himself at Devereux Manor High School in Berwyn, Pennsylvania, after facing relentless bullying throughout his youth. The actor was subjected to mockery due to a facial nerve injury that affected his speech and appearance. He recounted the cycle of being picked on, which escalated from shoving incidents to detentions, suspensions, and ultimately expulsion from numerous educational establishments in Philadelphia.
Stallone’s recounting of his time at Devereux reveals a dark atmosphere filled with chaos. He portrays the school as a holding pen for other “spiritually broken” young people as well as those who were excessively hyperactive. The staff’s attitudes did little to alleviate the situation, as they reportedly reinforced feelings of worthlessness among the students.
His stay at Devereux lasted for two years, during which he was eventually placed in the school’s punishment block. Stallone described this experience as “basically a mental hospital doing double duty as a solitary confinement detention hall.” The shocking conditions he described included encounters with other residents—some screaming, some restrained in straitjackets, and others unkempt and suffering from the aftermath of lobotomies.
While Stallone had previously alluded to the school in interviews, he had not openly discussed the punishment block until now. His vivid description of the facility starkly contrasts with the romanticised view often depicted in popular culture, such as in the film “One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest.” Rather than a realm of quirky characters who ultimately mean well, Stallone painted a picture of desolation and madness during his time there.
When he shared his experiences with his parents, Stallone indicated that their response was dismissive. He recalled being told that the authorities had a better understanding of his needs and that the staff were professionals. In a moment of clarity, he responded to their reassurances by questioning why he was the one receiving treatment when he believed his parents exhibited troubling behaviour.
The actor has long been candid about the difficulties of his upbringing. In his 2023 Netflix documentary “Sly,” he characterised his childhood as filled with “blunt force trauma.” He described a turbulent familial environment, dominated by a physically aggressive father, Frank Stallone Sr., whose violent behaviour left lasting scars. Stallone divulged specific incidents, including an episode involving his father during a polo match when he was just 13 years old.
His mother, Jackie Stallone, also had a reputation for violence, as noted by his brother, Frank Stallone Jr., who recounted memories of their mother wielding a hairbrush to discipline them. These familial dynamics were marked by physical altercations rather than open dialogue, leading to a challenging environment for the young Stallone and his siblings.
Despite these formative experiences, Stallone surprised many by financially supporting both of his parents until their respective passings in 2011 and 2020. He reflected on this choice with a sense of bewilderment, pondering whether it stemmed from a desire to assert superiority or from lingering guilt over their tumultuous relationship.
With his memoir set to launch, Stallone’s revelations are poised to resonate with many who have faced adversity in their formative years. His candid reflections on a troubled past not only provide insight into his own life but also highlight the broader issues of childhood trauma and the complexities of familial relationships.
As “The Steps” approaches its release date, anticipation builds not just for the revelations contained within but for the conversation it is likely to spark about mental health, childhood experiences, and the long road to healing. Stallone’s narrative serves as a reminder of the importance of addressing these issues with compassion and understanding.