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Stallone Recounts 'Snake Pit' Horror in New Book
27 Sep
Summary
- Stallone details a disturbing psychiatric facility experience in his memoir.
- He recounts a violent attack by another patient during his stay.
- The memoir also touches on family issues and past struggles.
Sylvester Stallone is sharing a deeply disturbing period from his youth in his upcoming memoir, The Steps. The 'Rocky' star recounts being sent to a psychiatric facility known as the 'Snake Pit' as a disciplinary measure during his high school years. Inside, he describes a chaotic and unsanitary environment that left a lasting impression.
During his two-week stay, Stallone alleges he was violently attacked by another patient in a bathroom. He details the horrific encounter and the intervention by guards. This traumatic experience, he reveals, ultimately instilled in him a sense of unbreakable will, a conviction that sustained him through later life challenges.
The memoir further explores Stallone's complex family dynamics, including his mother's perceived lack of nurturing and his father's volatility. It also touches upon his personal battles with bulimia and steroid use while preparing for the film 'Rocky III' in 1982.
Responding to Stallone's account, his former high school issued a statement respecting his right to share his story and apologizing for any trauma he experienced. The New York Times published a profile detailing these revelations on Saturday, September 25, 2026.
