The actor, known for his role in The Usual Suspects, revealed that he sustained injuries to his knee and back during the grueling physical challenges and didn’t want to risk further damage, especially with more high-profile projects on the horizon.
At 58, Baldwin is the youngest of the four Baldwin brothers, with Alec, the eldest at 66, followed by Billy (61), and Daniel (64). Stephen was quick to point out that his brother Daniel, the best athlete in the family, would likely be the most successful in the physical challenges of Special Forces. "The only person that could ever of my family, that could do well, it would be Daniel," he said in an interview with Entertainment Weekly.
A family of actors and athletes
Stephen’s brothers have all made their mark in Hollywood. Alec Baldwin is an Oscar nominee with a career spanning films like Beetlejuice, Glengarry Glen Ross, and It’s Complicated. He’s also known for his work on Saturday Night Live and his involvement in the legal battles surrounding the tragic death on the set of Rust. Billy Baldwin starred in notable films such as Backdraft and Sliver. Daniel Baldwin, meanwhile, has appeared in TV series like The Sopranos, Hawaii Five-O, and Cold Case, and was known for his role in the 80s sitcom Family Ties.
While Stephen’s time on Special Forces was brief, his family’s legacy in the entertainment industry continues to thrive. The actor acknowledged that, despite the show’s challenges, it wasn’t the right fit for him. “I had to come back,” Baldwin shared, citing his podcast One Bad Movie and upcoming production projects as reasons for his departure. He’s also planning to produce a movie in India later this year, along with two other projects, including a game show and more podcasts.
The tough reality of Special Forces
The physical demands of Special Forces proved to be overwhelming for Baldwin, who had to complete intense training sessions involving 150 pushups between three events on the first day. With his asthma and the toll of the challenges on his body, he ultimately found it too much to continue. Despite knowing what was ahead due to his previous military training for acting roles, Baldwin admitted that the experience was beyond brutal.
“It was just completely overwhelming for me physically,” Baldwin said, acknowledging that he didn’t regret leaving. “I’m kind of glad I got out of there.”
Though Baldwin may not have finished the season, his honesty about the difficulties of the competition gives insight into just how tough Special Forces can be, even for someone with a background in physical acting roles. Fans of the show may hope to see another Baldwin brother take on the challenge in the future, but for now, Stephen Baldwin is focused on his other professional ventures.
