Sylvester Stallone Recalls Having a ‘Horrible Revelation’ While Taking Care of His Dad During His Cancer Journey: ‘Now I Was the Father’

**Sylvester Stallone Reflects on Father’s Legacy and His Own Journey of Forgiveness**

Sylvester Stallone has recently shared poignant insights regarding his relationship with his late father, Frank Stallone Sr., particularly during the latter’s battle with prostate cancer before his death in 2011 at the age of 91. Speaking in an interview with CBS News correspondent Tracy Smith at 92NY on September 28, Stallone discussed how caring for his father shifted their longstanding dynamic and provided him with a new perspective on their relationship.

Throughout his life, Stallone has been candid about the challenges he faced growing up, including the physical and verbal abuse inflicted by his father. As he promotes his newly released memoir, *The Steps*, Stallone was asked whether he felt he had reached a state of peace with his parents before their passing. His response regarding his mother was evasive, expressing clear discomfort, while he reflected more openly on his father’s complex character.

Stallone characterised Frank Sr. as a formidable figure, recalling an intense memory that highlighted his father’s toughness. He described an occasion where Frank Sr. shot a pheasant during dinner, showcasing an almost primal aspect of his personality. This brutal incident served as a testament to the tough upbringing Stallone endured, illustrating the sheer dominance his father had in their household.

The actor shared a transformative experience when he came to care for Frank Sr. during his illness. He recalled the poignant moment when he became the caregiver, flipping the traditional parent-child roles on their head. “I was the father, and he was the oldest child,” Stallone explained, indicating the shift in responsibility that accompanied his father’s deteriorating health.

In a moment of revelation, Stallone recounted a particularly striking interaction wherein Frank Sr. advised him to “be nice to people.” The irony of this advice did not escape the actor, as he grappled with the considerable disconnect between his father’s past actions and his late-life reflections. Stallone suggested that this could stem from a realisation that often emerges near the end of life, when individuals may evaluate their actions and express regrets.

Frank Stallone Sr. was an immigrant from Italy who arrived in the United States at the age of 13. He and Stallone’s mother, Jackie, eventually had two sons, Sylvester and his brother Frank, although their marriage ended in divorce in 1957. Over the years, Frank Sr. established a reputation as a noteworthy polo player and pursued various careers, including work as a cobbler and hairdresser in New York City and Washington, D.C.

Stallone’s memoir touches upon other aspects of their complex relationship, including a memorable, if chaotic, anecdote from the filming of *Rocky*. Frank Sr. played a role in the climactic boxing match, serving as the timekeeper. Stallone recalled with frustration how his father failed to ring the bell at the appropriate time, a moment he described as “a really bad Italian drama.” This not only brought humour to their relationship but also highlights the tumultuous nature of their interactions over the years.

Despite the turbulent history, Stallone indicated during the 92NY event that he has ultimately found a path to forgiveness regarding his parents’ actions. He asserted the importance of moving on from past grievances, explaining that holding onto anger can be burdensome: “It’s like having a hot brick in your heart.” He underscored that the process of forgiveness is liberating and can contribute to personal growth, allowing individuals to rise above their past traumas.

Sylvester Stallone’s reflections offer a nuanced view of his father’s influence on his life, showcasing the multifaceted nature of their relationship. While public perceptions may focus on the harsh realities of their past, Stallone’s journey toward understanding and forgiveness reveals a deeper narrative that underscores the complexities of familial ties.

His memoir, *The Steps*, is now available for purchase, offering readers further insights into his life and experiences. As Stallone navigates the intricacies of his legacy, his reflections on his father’s life serve as both a personal catharsis and an exploration of broader themes of love, forgiveness, and the evolution of family dynamics.