Book excerpt: "The Steps" by Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Stallone became one of the most successful actors of his generation, after playing an underdog boxer in the 1976 classic "Rocky." It proved a stunning commercial and artistic success, winning three Academy Awards, and thrust his career into the stratosphere.

In his new memoir, "The Steps" (to be published Sept. 29 by William Morrow), the actor writes of his early struggles, before creating the character of Rocky Balboa. Read the excerpt below, in which he recounts the genesis of writing his screenplay for "Rocky"; and don't miss Tracy Smith's interview with Read More...