Episode Overview

Podcast: Habits and Hustle
Title: Episode 486: Antonio Sabato Jr.: From Teen Heartthrob to Boxing at 53 (And Why He Was Blacklisted from Hollywood)
Date: September 23, 2025
Host: Jennifer Cohen
Guest: Antonio Sabato Jr.

The episode chronicles Antonio Sabato Jr.’s multifaceted journey—his meteoric rise as a teen heartthrob in the '90s, the impact of being blacklisted in Hollywood after supporting Donald Trump, his battles with addiction, career pivots into reality TV, construction, and now professional boxing at 53. The conversation explores resilience, reinvention, health and fitness, the realities of celebrity and politics, and the habits that have carried Antonio through career highs and lows.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Early Stardom, Modeling, and Acting (10:38–21:28)

• Immigrant Beginnings: Antonio describes arriving in the US from Italy at age 12. Despite language barriers and financial hardship, he chased his acting dreams relentlessly.
• Breakout Moments:
  • Janet Jackson Video – At 17, he appeared in “Love Will Never Do (Without You)”, marking his first mainstream exposure, even as an unknown face (13:05).
  • General Hospital – Landed the iconic role of Jagger Cates, bringing the show to No.2 in the ratings and developing a fiercely loyal fan base (15:40–17:00).
• Modeling and Calvin Klein: Contrary to public perception, acting led to modeling; Calvin Klein noticed him after seeing his film “If Looks Could Kill” (19:42).
• Avoiding Being Pigeonholed: He intentionally moved between soaps, film, and TV, refusing to be trapped by early typecasting (21:00).

“I never wanted to be stuck on anything. I wanted to hit and go.” – Antonio (19:51)

2. Navigating Fame and Hollywood Realities (21:28–37:22)

• Reality TV & Reinvention: Antonio’s portfolio includes numerous reality shows (Cupcake Wars, Celebrity Circus, Stars in Danger, Dancing with the Stars), executive producing, and performing international miniseries (25:17–28:13).
• Blacklisting After Supporting Trump: Publicly supporting Donald Trump cost him his entire entertainment network overnight. He explored politics, ran for Congress in California, but became disillusioned (36:00–37:22).

“All my managers and agents and commercial agents all dropped me over 24 hours, and I was called the worst names and I was put into the corner. And so I had to leave Hollywood. I couldn’t work.” – Antonio (23:36)

• Construction Work in Florida: Out of necessity, Antonio switched to construction and concrete pumping to support his family while regrouping and plotting a comeback (23:36–24:58).

3. Resilience, Rebuilding, and Habits for Longevity (3:58–7:32, 53:53–61:04)

• Mindset for Longevity: The host and Antonio discuss the importance of consistency and relentless personal evolution as the keys to aging well and staying resilient:
  • “You can keep pushing and pushing and pushing. Life is really precious. Don’t give up.” (4:43)
  • “Once you stop, that’s when all hell breaks loose…not just working out and training, but just stop being young and having that mentality...” (4:31)
• Being an Example: Antonio shares how his example—like taking up boxing at 53—inspires others, even his own family, to pursue new physical challenges (5:15).
• Handling Naysayers: Advice to ignore the limits others project onto you: “Society and people always, their insecurity affects yours...Well, who are you to tell me I can’t do it? I can do it and I will do it and it’s going to happen no matter what.” (6:29)

4. Addiction and Recovery: The Hidden Struggles (57:36–64:05)

• Substance Abuse: For years, especially before and around his “blacklisting,” Antonio struggled with painkillers and sleeping pills (61:30). He sought hardcore recovery in Pasadena, not celebrity rehabs, and credits the experience for spiritual and personal growth.
• Rebuilding: Now openly sober, he’s transparent with his family and public, aiming to destigmatize recovery.

“This imaginary world…that’s what they always call it, a recovering addict. You’re always an addict. And you’re just recovering for the rest of your life.” (63:07)

5. Health, Fitness, and Training Regimen (53:53–81:59)

Routine and Nutrition

• Twice-Daily Workouts: At home, Antonio trains twice a day—2 hours each session (morning and afternoon), totaling 4 hours, 7 days a week (54:07, 54:49).
  • Morning: 1 hour intense cardio (bike, often in a sweatsuit in a hot garage or running 4 miles), 1 hour bag work (boxing).
  • Afternoon: 2 hours of full-body weight training emphasizing high reps and moderate weights (15–20 lbs, 100 reps per set) (84:16).
• Boxing Camp: Transitioning to professional boxing shifted his training to 4 hours a day focused solely on ring work, sparring, and technical drills, with no weights for 6 months (78:41).
• Diet: High protein (steak, fish, chicken), low carb, minimal vegetables. Avoids sugar, alcohol, and limits carbs to “non-cheat” specific meals (55:52, 61:10).
• Fasting: Eats only between 12pm–8pm; skips breakfast (61:10).
• Supplements: Uses creatine and does regular, twice-yearly blood work. No testosterone, peptides, or additional enhancements (59:02).

“My favorite body’s always been Steve Reeves meets Bruce Lee…very lean, muscular, not big.” (55:01)

Mindset

• No Days Off Philosophy: “There's no time in between where I need that rest day…for me…I've been doing this for many years. I know my body in and out.” (59:54)
• Training Ethos: No music, hyper-focused, and likens exercise to brushing teeth—a non-negotiable habit, not an optional activity (77:11–77:27).

6. Extreme Hobbies, Boxings, and Formula 1 (26:34–51:09)

• Adrenaline-Driven Life: Antonio routinely pursues new physical challenges: boxing professionally at 53, racing cars, swimming with sharks, gymnastics in his 30s, skydiving, and more (30:14–34:29).
• Formula 1 Obsession: Deep knowledge and lifelong passion for Formula 1; discusses differences in driver fitness past vs present, simulation training, and why the sport has evolved (37:22–50:52).
• Celebrity Boxing: Eager to challenge the likes of Jake Paul, expresses passion for boxing as a comeback narrative and transformative tool for others: “I am so eager. This is the beginning of phase two.” (30:52)

7. Reflections on Past Relationships and Hollywood Life (68:40–75:56)

• Celebrity Dating: Briefly dated Madonna, Pamela Anderson, Jennifer Love Hewitt, and others. He kept his relationships private at the time, sharing details only decades later. Madonna was a particularly formative influence in terms of focus, drive, and lifestyle.

“With Madonna...I remember having conversations about business…fascinated by how she was just so calm and very smart…” (73:06)

• Learning from Legends: Top lesson from Madonna: “Stay focused on your dreams and be dedicated…[make] training and lifestyle as second nature as brushing your teeth.” (76:18)

8. Politics, Blacklisting, and the State of Fame (95:12–101:14)

• On Politics: Deeply disillusioned by both sides, sees entertainment and politics as similarly fake professions. Ran for Congress and now wants nothing to do with it (95:38–97:57).

“Two careers…the fakest is the show entertainment world…and politics. Both of them, they're the ones who will lie at whatever cost.” (95:47)

• On Trump: Personally knows and respects Trump’s work ethic, but distances himself from political battles. Attributes Hollywood blacklisting to his political support but refuses to regret his decision or apologize (95:16–99:38).
• Reflection on Resilience: Applauds Trump’s resilience, but sees “power, fame and attention” as main motivators for politicians (101:14).

9. Life Now: Real Estate and New Ventures (93:41–94:53)

• Real Estate Career: Licensed agent in Florida (post-Hollywood downturn); sells high-end condos in Tampa alongside his wife (93:54–94:44).
• New Acting Projects: Promotes upcoming horror film "426" and ongoing boxing engagements (102:56).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On ignoring naysayers:
  “Society and people always, their insecurity affects yours and it comes in your life and go, ‘Oh, you can’t do it.’ ...Who are you to tell me I can’t do it? I can do it and I will do it and it’s going to happen no matter what.” – Antonio (6:29)
• On being blacklisted:
  “I was blacklisted from day one…all my managers and agents and commercial agents all dropped me over 24 hours...I had to leave Hollywood.” – Antonio (23:36)
• On masculinity and discipline:
  “I take pride in what I do and I don’t date who I work with ever.” – Antonio (20:42)
• On resilience:
  “You either stick in it or you get out of it. And now I’m out of it. And I’m stronger than ever because of it.” – Antonio (24:58)
• On addiction and rock bottom:
  “When I didn’t have those pills anymore…my body went into a seizure...I was isolated, feeling completely helpless…that’s where everything became real, real, real.” – Antonio (64:12)
• On building habits:
  “Lifestyle for me is so much important because it’s like brushing your teeth. …Dedication and motivation will only last so long…If you have that lifestyle that constantly, no matter what, you’re always going to be on track, you can’t get out of it.” – Antonio (76:44)
• On boxing at 53:
  “I am glad I went through the hell and back, because, you know, I love my wife twice as much. I love my kids twice as much. …I am coming back stronger than ever, and I’m back to retain my title and do what I got to do.” (24:58)

Timestamps for Key Segments

| Timestamp | Topic/Quote Summary | |-------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:58–07:32 | Mindset for longevity and inspiration in later life | | 10:38–15:56 | Early career: break into acting, Janet Jackson video, General Hospital | | 23:36–24:58 | Blacklisting after Trump support, moving to Florida and construction | | 26:34–34:29 | Reinvention, extreme hobbies, Formula 1 | | 53:53–61:04 | Daily fitness regimen, diet, supplements, drug recovery | | 61:30–64:12 | Details on addiction, recovery, and lessons learned | | 68:40–76:13 | Reflections on dating Madonna, Pamela Anderson, lessons from celebrity relationships | | 95:12–101:14| Reflections on politics, blacklisting, and the parallel with Hollywood | | 93:41–94:53 | Current work as real estate agent in Florida | | 102:44–103:08| Boxing match details, upcoming projects |

Final Takeaways

• Antonio Sabato Jr.'s journey is one of adaptation, resiliency, and authenticity—marked by refusal to conform, the costs of speaking one’s truth, and the redemptive power of discipline and healthful habits.
• His story represents a candid look behind the celebrity façade, illustrating both the freedoms and dangers of fame, and the enduring importance of knowing who you are and what you’re unwilling to compromise on.
• For listeners mid-career or navigating life’s transitions, Antonio’s outlook on aging, purpose, and the need for rebirth—no matter how late—offers both cautionary and inspirational notes.

Resources and Further Information

• Antonio's Instagram: [Search Antonio Sabato Jr.]
• Upcoming Fight: September 27th, 2300 Arena, Philadelphia—tickets at xrumble.com
• Film: “426” releases later this year
• Book: “Antonio Sabato Jr.: The Untold Stories”