At 79, Sylvester Stallone is proving he’s still going strong. The Hollywood icon is back in action as Dwight Manfredi in Tulsa King Season 3, set to premiere Sunday, September 21. Even before the season drops, Paramount+ has already renewed the show for a fourth season—evidence that Stallone’s presence is still a ratings magnet. Last year, Tulsa King shattered records with over 20 million streams, cementing its place as the most-watched original series.

But Stallone isn’t just dominating streaming platforms. He continues to make waves in Hollywood as both an actor and producer, branching into new genres that have even caught the eye of WWE star-turned-actor Dwayne Johnson, “The Rock.” Off-screen, Stallone remains as ambitious as ever. An art collector, painter, and author, he previously shared his fitness philosophy in Sly Moves (2005). Even now, decades after Rocky first hit theaters, Stallone refuses to slow down—his career is evolving, not winding down.

Dwayne Johnson praises Sylvester Stallone’s latest project ahead of release

Now, after 20 years, Sylvester Stallone’s returning with a memoir, The Steps, chronicling his journey from a ‘Hell’s Kitchen boy’ to Hollywood legend. The book promises to capture Stallone’s grit and resilience—“every fight, every fall, and every climb,” that shaped him. Recently, Stallone gave fans a sneak peek on Instagram, saying: “Hello everyone, this is Sylvester Stallone, and I’ve got something very special coming up. I never thought I’d do this, but I did, because I think I have a story to tell. A lot of people may just relate to it—I certainly did. It got me going in places I never thought would happen.”

“So I want to thank you very much for taking this moment, and please wait until spring, because that’s when it’s going to come out. This is a story about heart, energy, humor, and learning how to get up when you get knocked down. To go on when you don’t think you can. And eventually, to climb that one mountain that you must,” he continued. Even in the lead-up to the book, Sylvester Stallone’s influence resonates across Hollywood. Dwayne Johnson joined fans in the excitement, commenting: “Beautiful. Can’t wait to read brother.”

The memoir also highlights a rare crossover in the world of cinematic combat sports. While Rocky’s journey wrapped with Creed II, Stallone’s legacy in the ring continues to inspire a new generation. At the same time, Johnson dives into the real-life story of UFC heavyweight Mark Kerr in The Smashing Machine. The film has already turned heads on the festival circuit, premiering at Toronto and Venice, and its generating major buzz ahead of its wider release.

Even in the lead-up to the book, Sylvester Stallone’s influence resonates across Hollywood. His memoir arrives at a time when reflective storytelling is connecting strongly with audiences—from Matthew McConaughey’s Greenlights to Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Be Useful. Stallone’s version promises the same honesty, but with the hard-edged grit only he can deliver.

Stallone Shows Support as ‘The Rock’ Gets Emotional Remembering His Father

Dwayne Johnson didn’t just grow up in the shadow of a wrestling legend—he built his own empire on the foundation his father, Rocky Johnson, laid. As the first Black NWA Georgia Heavyweight Champion and a two-time NWA Television Champion, Rocky broke barriers that shaped the man Dwayne would become. While Rocky’s legacy opened doors, Dwayne’s rise to Hollywood superstardom is entirely his own. Earlier this year, as Black History Month wrapped up, Johnson took a moment to honor his father with a heartfelt tribute.

Reflecting on his father Rocky Johnson’s life, Dwayne Johnson highlighted the lessons that shaped him, while also emphasizing the lasting impact his father had on wrestling and beyond. For instance, he recalled: “A day without pain is like a day without sunshine.” He also stressed: “Respect is given when it’s earned, so go out and earn it.” And, summing up his father’s philosophy, he added: “The show must go on.”

The heartfelt tribute didn’t go unnoticed. Johnson’s emotional reflection on the fleeting nature of life caught the attention of Hollywood legend Sylvester Stallone, who responded: “That was a very, very touchy moment, and it’s moments like that that bring us back down to earth and make us cherish what life is really about. Heart and soul.”

Beyond honoring his father, Johnson has blazed a trail for wrestlers seeking success in Hollywood. Stars like John Cena and Dave Bautista have followed in his footsteps, proving that a career in wrestling can translate to cinematic stardom. From The Scorpion King to The Smashing Machine, Johnson’s journey stands as a compelling blueprint for what is possible.