Stallone Sees Himself in Sheridan

Sylvester Stallone, the legendary Italian Stallion, sees striking parallels between his own Hollywood journey and that of Taylor Sheridan, the creator of Yellowstone and Tulsa King. Speaking to People, the 79-year-old actor reflected on the harsh realities both faced in an industry that often typecasts and sidelines emerging talent.

“There was a crossroads where I knew I was always going to be ‘thug number three’ coming through the door,” Stallone admitted. “I saw the handwriting on the wall and knew I had to pivot, big time, and the same thing happened with him.”

Sheridan’s Acting Roots

Before rising to fame as a screenwriter and creator, Sheridan dreamed of being an actor. Born in Texas, he appeared as the dim-witted Danny Boyd in five episodes of Veronica Mars (2005–2007) and later played Deputy Chief David Hale in the first three seasons of Sons of Anarchy (2008–2010). He also had guest roles on NCIS: Los Angeles, CSI, NYPD Blue, Walker, Texas Ranger, and more.

Despite his early dedication, Sheridan grew frustrated by the lack of meaningful opportunities. After turning 40 in 2010, he made the difficult decision to step away from acting and focus on writing.

From Frustration to Breakthrough

Stallone explains, “He was a serious actor, but no one was giving him his break. He realized the clock was running out, and he had to learn to write. I get his dilemma. It isn’t because you wanted to—it’s because you had to survive. He’s a survivalist.”

That determination paid off. Sheridan penned Sicario, Denis Villeneuve’s acclaimed Mexican drug cartel drama, cementing his reputation as a formidable screenwriter. He then continued creating and starring in his own projects, including Yellowstone, 1883, Lioness, and Hell or High Water.

Tulsa King: Stallone Joins Sheridan’s World

The two first connected while horseback riding “at a barn,” and years later Stallone worked with Sheridan on Tulsa King. He executive produced and reprised his role as Mafia capo Dwight ‘The General’ Manfredi in the critically acclaimed dramedy’s 10-episode third season, which premiered on Paramount+.

“Taylor called me and goes, ‘You want to play a gangster out of water in Tulsa, Oklahoma?’ I said, ‘Oh—now there’s a challenge. Absolutely,’” Stallone recalled.

A Prolific Storyteller

Sheridan’s career trajectory highlights how persistence and adaptation can lead to creative triumph. Beyond Tulsa King and Yellowstone, he also created hit series including Mayor of Kingstown, 1923, and Landman. By writing his own material, Sheridan not only secured meaningful roles but also reshaped the narrative landscape of modern television.

Personal Life and Milestones

Outside of work, Sheridan and his wife Nicole Muirbrook recently celebrated their 12th wedding anniversary. Their son Gus is turning 16 this week, marking personal milestones alongside Sheridan’s professional success.

Lessons from Two Hollywood Survivors

Sylvester Stallone’s reflections underscore a key lesson for aspiring actors and creatives: when the door you want remains closed, building your own path is often the only way forward. Both Stallone and Sheridan faced industry setbacks, but by pivoting, persevering, and embracing multiple creative roles, they not only survived Hollywood—they thrived.

Their story serves as a reminder that sometimes, survival requires bold reinvention, a willingness to take risks, and the courage to tell your own story—whether on screen, behind the camera, or both.