Frank Grillo is not shying away from spilling behind-the-scenes secrets about the drugs actors use to bulk up for their roles. He bulked himself up to portray Rick Flag Sr. in Peacemaker Season 2. In a recent appearance on Men’s Health ‘Strong Talk’ podcast, he admitted to taking the performance-enhancing drug (PED), testosterone.
Grill defended the use of PEDs, saying that he was 60 years old and not an athlete playing professionally. He explained:
“I’m an actor. I’m not the linebacker for the New York Giants. I’m not a competitive Olympic wrestler. Do you know what I mean? I’m not playing for the New York Knicks. I’m not cheating at anything except aging. There’s nothing wrong with, you know, you get the role in the superhero movie and you want to look like a superhero.”
Actors cast as superheroes in movies and shows have historically been seen embodying the same larger-than-life physiques as their characters. From Marvel’s Chris Hemsworth to DC’s Henry Cavill, many actors have bulked up to bring the beloved comic book superheroes to life. However, there are hardly any who have admitted to taking PEDs.
From John Cena to Dwayne Johnson: Frank Grillo’s Comment Opens the Steroid Can of Worms
Frank Grillo has reignited the debate around steroid and enhancement use in Hollywood with his recent comments. In the above-mentioned podcast appearance, he also revealed that many actors take substances like Anavar and Deca under medical supervision to achieve dramatic physical transformations.
Some actors who have often stirred up rumors about steroids include John Cena, Dwayne Johnson, and even older stars like Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Here is a breakdown of how some major Hollywood names fit into the ongoing discussion sparked by Grillo’s comments.
Grillo’s honesty opens up a larger conversation on ethics, transparency, and how Hollywood’s standards of physical perfection may pressure actors into medically supervised or unsupervised performance-enhancing drug use.
Our Thoughts on Actors Taking Steroids to Gain Muscle – Is It ‘Cheating’?
Hollywood demands that leading actors bulk up for certain roles, often in short timelines. This expectation creates pressure to explore shortcuts, sometimes through medically supervised testosterone therapy or anabolic steroids. But is it really ‘cheating’?
Unlike athletes competing in regulated sports, actors are not bound by the same rules. Their goal is to embody a character convincingly, and for some, PEDs become a tool, similar to the use of prosthetics or makeup, that helps deliver a role.
That said, critics have rightfully argued that the secrecy around the use of PEDs misleads young people. Fans often idolize these physiques, believing they can be achieved naturally with enough discipline.
The gap between reality and the image that actors uphold fuels unhealthy body expectations. Steroid use in Hollywood will remain controversial, but openness could shift the conversation from shame to informed choice.
What are your thoughts on actors using steroids? Let us know in the comments below!
Peacemaker is currently streaming on HBO Max.
