When it comes to protecting his family, Sylvester Stallone doesn’t mess around. The legendary actor behind the "Rocky" franchise ensured his two eldest daughters, Sophia and Sistine, were well-prepared for life's challenges before they relocated to New York City. To make sure they were safe, he arranged for them to undergo an intense training session with Navy SEALs. This wasn't just about physical fitness—it was about survival skills and self-defense.
A Day in the Woods with the Navy SEALs
“It was no joke. It was the hardest thing I’ve ever done,” Sistine, 25, told The New York Post in an interview published on February 17. “We spent six grueling hours in those woods, getting pushed to our limits. Sophia and I were absolutely worn out by the end of it. These guys were the real deal, and they didn’t hold back. They treated us like we were part of their team, which was both terrifying and inspiring.”
Training Runs in the Family
Sistine wasn’t surprised by her father’s decision to put them through such rigorous training. “Growing up, we were always surrounded by this kind of military-style discipline,” she explained. “Dad would have us doing self-defense drills, learning how to protect ourselves. It’s just who he is, and it’s something we’ve always respected.”
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Even as they prepared to leave for New York, Sylvester wasn’t letting up. He joined his daughters for early morning workouts, ensuring they stayed in top shape. “Every single day at 6 a.m., he’d wake us up and make us eat eggs with ketchup. I still don’t know why he does that, but apparently, it’s supposed to help with muscle growth,” Sophia, 27, revealed. “Then it was nonstop—sit-ups, push-ups, pull-ups, clean and jerks. We were exhausted, but we’re grateful for what we learned.”
The Stallone Family’s Reality Show
This intense boot camp experience will be showcased in the upcoming season of the family’s Paramount+ reality show, The Family Stallone, premiering on February 21. Fans can expect to see the challenges the daughters faced and the bond they shared with their dad during these intense sessions.
Scarlet, Sylvester’s youngest daughter with wife Jennifer Flavin, wasn’t part of the training because she lives in Miami. “Honestly, I was relieved I wasn’t involved,” the 21-year-old college student admitted. “But I completely understand why Dad wanted Sophia and Sistine to go through it. He just wants them to be safe.”
Sylvester’s dedication to his family extends beyond just physical training. During an appearance on Sophia and Sistine’s “Unwaxed” podcast in November 2023, he opened up about the struggles he faced earlier in his career. “There were times when I felt like a failure as a father,” he confessed. “I was embarrassed to be your father. I felt so worthless. You didn’t even really know what I did for a living. I just wandered around looking depressed.”
Thankfully, Sylvester found his way back to success with roles in The Expendables, Creed, and more. Those tough times in the early 2000s taught him the value of family. “When the good times go away, that’s when you realize how important your family is,” he said. “The ship sailed on me, and it was pretty bad. I realized that people you thought were your friends aren’t always there for you. I thought I was done. The phone wasn’t ringing, but my family stood by me, and that meant everything.”
