Sylvester Stallone Opens Up About His Struggles with Aging on ‘Tulsa King’ Set – “Quite Flattering, Quite Depressing!”

Sylvester Stallone’s turn as Dwight “The General” Manfredi in Paramount+’s Tulsa King marked a major milestone in the Hollywood icon’s career. The series, created by Taylor Sheridan, offered a fresh role for Stallone: a New York mobster sent to Tulsa, Oklahoma, to rebuild his criminal empire after 25 years in prison. Yet, while the show’s gripping narrative and complex characters have garnered praise, Stallone himself has been candid about one aspect of the experience that left him feeling conflicted—his own age.

Struggling with the Generational Gap
In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Stallone reflected on the emotional challenge of being “the oldest guy on set.” At 76, he noted feeling both “flattered” and “depressed” to find himself surrounded by a cast he described as young enough to be his grandchildren. This generational divide hit home during a particular scene where Dwight reveals his age to a much younger woman, prompting her to flee. Stallone saw this moment as a mirror of his own reality, admitting it forced him to confront his changing image both on and off screen.

“I’m not in my 30s or 40s anymore,” Stallone shared. “And here I am, playing this older guy who’s trying to find his place in a younger, faster world. There’s a truth to that which made me pause.”

A Personal Vulnerability
Unlike Stallone’s legendary action heroes—Rocky Balboa or John Rambo—Dwight Manfredi is a character defined as much by vulnerability as by strength. Stallone’s own recognition of aging added a new layer of depth to his portrayal, but it also brought discomfort. While he fully committed to the role, the actor found himself grappling with the reality of being seen as the elder statesman on set, something he hadn’t fully prepared for.

Maintaining the Stallone Legacy
Despite his personal reservations, Stallone’s performance has been lauded, and the show has continued to thrive. With Tulsa King heading into its third season, Stallone remains central to the series’ success, both as a lead actor and an executive producer. His candid remarks about age serve as a reminder that even Hollywood’s toughest stars wrestle with self-image and change, especially when breaking new ground in their careers.

Looking Ahead
Stallone’s reflections on Tulsa King reveal a star who, even after decades of fame, continues to push himself creatively and personally. While the age gap on set may have felt daunting, it also underscores Stallone’s willingness to embrace the complexities of his characters. For fans, his honesty about these challenges only deepens the respect for his dedication to his craft.