Stallone in Oprah's footsteps
2004-10-21 08:10
Los Angeles - Rambo and Rocky actor Sylvester Stallone is to take a starring role in a new medium, with the launch of a new men's magazine named after the action hero, sources said on Wednesday.
The 58-year-old cinema icon has lent his name and image to Sly, a monthly publication for men to be launched by American Media Inc in January, sources close to the actor said.
The New York-based publication is a health and fitness monthly aimed at a target audience of older men in the 35- to 54-year-old range.
American Media officials and Stallone's representatives said it had yet to be decided whether his tough-guy face would appear on every issue, as some media have speculated.
"We know that Sylvester will be actively involved in the editorial process every month," AMI spokesperson Stu Zakim said.
"The idea is to provide a good product to a large number of male readers who are really not serviced by other magazines at the moment," Zakim said adding that in addition to health and fitness, Sly would also include lifestyle coverage.
Stallone's foray into the publishing world puts him in the footsteps of celebrities Oprah Winfrey, Rosie O'Donnell and Donald Trump who have all had magazines launched under their names.
American Media is a major US group headquartered in Florida that published tabloid newspapers and magazines, including National Enquirer and Star as well as The Globe, Weekly World News, and Men's Fitness.
Stallone recently launched his own line of health and fitness products under the name of his company Instone.
The actor is further extending his brawny image by producing a reality boxing show for NBC television titled The Contender.
Stallone shot to fame in the role of boxer Rocky Balboa in 1976's boxing classic Rocky and its sequels and his tough-guy persona is also synonymous with his bllod and guts role in the Rambo movies.