Sylvester Stallone 'Millions of Regrets' Over His Stunts: 'I'm an Idiot for Doing It'

Sylvester Stallone says decades of bravado have shaped him, and explains why he calls himself an "idiot" for continuing to perform his own stunts year after year. In a recent interview with Safir Arjan Digital, the "Rocky" star said he has "millions, millions of regrets" about his action career. "I could literally have spent […]

Sylvester Stallone tells how decades of daring have taken a toll on him - and why he considers himself an "idiot" for continuing to do his own stunts year after year.

In 2010, Stallone starred in – and also directed – the action thriller The Waste, alongside Jason Statham, Mickey Rourke and more. During the filming of a scene in which Stallone was tackled by WWE legend Steve Austin, the stunt went wrong, leaving Stallone with dislocated shoulders and a broken neck that required more than seven back surgeries. The "Rambo" actor needed a metal plate inserted into his neck and spinal fusion. Popular in Variety

Stallone's moral of the story is "let others do their work". "Don't be a stage hawk, or whatever you call it, a showboat. I know a lot of people think about doing a stunt...don't. Don't. Let a professional do it," Stallone said. "You can't beat gravity, when you hit the ground, you fail and it comes back up."

He continued: "I mean, just ask any footballer in the world. So yeah, and people say, 'Aren't you proud of them?'" No. I think I'm an idiot for doing that.

The actress shared similar advice ahead of the release of her memoir, Steps, last month. Stallone told The New York Times that his "masochistic" treatment of his body had a "terrible price".