Sylvester Stallone's memoir, "The Steps," is out today, and in a wave of new interviews the 80-year-old star is explaining how he nearly lost "Rocky" before it was ever filmed.
Stallone told CBS Sunday Morning that producers offered him thousands for his script, but only if someone else played Rocky Balboa. The bidding reportedly rose as high as $360,000. His answer, he said, was "I said, pass." He explained that he had slept in alleyways and paid his dues, and he knew this was his chance.
What role did faith play?
In a New York Times interview, Stallone said he prayed during that time, telling God he would regret giving up the role for the rest of his life. The interview also noted he was raised Catholic. He recalled praying before making "Rocky."
What did he say at 92NY?
At the CBS Sunday Morning event at 92NY on Monday, he was asked what the greatest "step" of his life has been. He said it will always be the first one, the moment you decide you're all in.
He also reacted to the upcoming biopic "I Play Rocky," which follows the making of the 1976 film. He said he was initially unsure and joked that he isn't dead yet, but he was struck by Anthony Ippolito's performance as the young Stallone.
Why it matters
Stallone's account is about conviction under pressure. He risked losing everything to keep the role he believed was his.
Related: Sylvester Stallone Reveals the Difficult Childhood Behind "Rocky" in New Memoir, "The Steps"
