**Sylvester Stallone Reflects on Career Injuries and Advocates for Professional Stunt Work**
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At the Toronto International Film Festival on September 15, 2023, Sylvester Stallone candidly discussed the severe physical toll that his career in action films has taken on his body. In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, the 80-year-old star opened up about the many injuries he has sustained throughout his illustrious career, which have led to numerous medical procedures, including nine back operations and three neck fusions.
Stallone explained that the extensive list of injuries—accumulating over decades of performing high-octane stunts—has become a source of reflection and regret for him. “I could literally spend a half hour talking about injuries… I’m talking about 30 individual ones,” he shared, highlighting the cumulative impact of his experiences in the film industry.
Recognising the physical repercussions of his chosen profession, Stallone emphasised the need for aspiring actors and stunt performers to rely on professionals when it comes to executing dangerous scenes. “Let the pro do it,” he advised, underlining that individuals should refrain from attempting stunts themselves. “You cannot beat gravity. When you hit the ground, you lose,” he cautioned.
Stallone’s decision to take on so many stunts himself is now viewed through the lens of his ongoing physical struggles. He stated, “After *Expendables*, I ended up with nine back operations, three neck fusions,” describing his experience on set as “brutal.” The rigorous demands of his roles have left him with lasting physical damage, including torn shoulders and various ocular injuries. “I’m never quite the same,” he admitted, reflecting on the long-term consequences of his work.
The actor’s sentiments are not unique; the sacrifices made by those in the entertainment industry often resonate with those in professional sports. Stallone drew parallels between his own injuries and those endured by athletes, stating that while society may celebrate their triumphs, such physical deterioration does not evoke pride in him. “I’m not proud that I broke myself in pieces,” he asserted.
Stallone’s reflections on his career were not limited to just recent events; he has previously disclosed the dangers associated with the stunts he performed in films like *Demolition Man*. In an interview with GQ, he described two particularly hazardous scenes from the 1993 film, noting the risks involved with the heavy machinery and the hazardous circumstances he endured.
In recalling one incident, Stallone mentioned being caught in a mechanised claw that was not only functional but also highly dangerous. “The strength of those metal claws would tear you up,” he described, illustrating his close brushes with injury. In another scene, he shared an experience where he was trapped in a “thick plexiglass” tub that filled with warm oil and was bolted shut, amplifying the life-threatening nature of the set activities.
Despite these harrowing experiences, Stallone’s passion for his craft remains evident. His latest project, *Tulsa King*, is set to premiere its fourth season on October 16, 2023, on Paramount+. As he continues to balance his love for acting with the physical demands it requires, his advice to future generations rings clearly: to leave stunts to those who are trained and equipped to handle them.
As Stallone continues to navigate the complexities of a career filled with both accolades and adversities, his narrative serves not only as a cautionary tale to others in the industry but also as a testament to the resilience demanded in the face of the physical challenges that come with the territory of being an action star.