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True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life
On television, as the star of the popular Hercules: The Legendary Journeys, Kevin Sorbo portrayed an invincible demi god. He relished living the part and physicians could offer few answers, Sorbo grew increasingly despondent. What happens when your entire identity vanishes?
True Strength is the story of how one man faced the unimaginable and ultimately found the real measure of success. With tongue-in-cheek humor and an unfailingly candid voice, Sorbo reflects on his childhood in Minnesota, his early modeling and acting days, and his hard-charging charmed life in television. He recounts the onset of his stroke symptoms, the frightening hospitalizations, his battle with depression, and fighting for a recovery that defied medical expectations. And how through it all, love conspired to save him from missing out on what matters.
With this refreshingly honest account of celebrity, personal tragedy, and the power of letting go, Sorbo aims to blaze a trail for anyone who may have suffered a serious setback in life and is struggling to find their way forward.
True Strength is the story of how one man faced the unimaginable and ultimately found the real measure of success. With tongue-in-cheek humor and an unfailingly candid voice, Sorbo reflects on his childhood in Minnesota, his early modeling and acting days, and his hard-charging charmed life in television. He recounts the onset of his stroke symptoms, the frightening hospitalizations, his battle with depression, and fighting for a recovery that defied medical expectations. And how through it all, love conspired to save him from missing out on what matters.
With this refreshingly honest account of celebrity, personal tragedy, and the power of letting go, Sorbo aims to blaze a trail for anyone who may have suffered a serious setback in life and is struggling to find their way forward.
298 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 11, 2011
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January 7, 2017
A side of Kevin Sorbo that few have seen, and that fewer still would believe.
I grew up watching Kevin Sorbo as Hercules. If I never watched anything else in a week, I made sure I caught his show. I have all the seasons on dvd, all the movies, and hope to one day meet this hero of mine.
I knew he had taken ill during the show's taping, but I didn't know the full story until True Strength.
Here Kevin talks openly and cadidly about his life growing up in the Mid West, his modeling career that would in time land him his role as TV's most famous strong man, and lastly the strokes that brought him low and almost took him out.
When Kevin was about 30, a blood clot from his shoulder traveled up into his brain, where he suffered no less than three strokes without realizing it. Needless to say it was a long hard road to recovery after that, but thankfully he had Sam, once his costar and now his wife, to help him through the darkest of his days.
But even years after the strokes, Kevin is still in recovery. Still learning limitations and boundaries, and he has partial blindness in both his eyes from the strokes. From what I can tell he has coped with everything life has thrown at him with more dignity, grace, and poise than any of use have ever seen, and doubtfully will ever see again.
I am completely in awe of Kevin Sorbo right now. As I said I have been a fan of his for many year, but now I have discovered a newfound respect and admiration for this great man.
I grew up watching Kevin Sorbo as Hercules. If I never watched anything else in a week, I made sure I caught his show. I have all the seasons on dvd, all the movies, and hope to one day meet this hero of mine.
I knew he had taken ill during the show's taping, but I didn't know the full story until True Strength.
Here Kevin talks openly and cadidly about his life growing up in the Mid West, his modeling career that would in time land him his role as TV's most famous strong man, and lastly the strokes that brought him low and almost took him out.
When Kevin was about 30, a blood clot from his shoulder traveled up into his brain, where he suffered no less than three strokes without realizing it. Needless to say it was a long hard road to recovery after that, but thankfully he had Sam, once his costar and now his wife, to help him through the darkest of his days.
But even years after the strokes, Kevin is still in recovery. Still learning limitations and boundaries, and he has partial blindness in both his eyes from the strokes. From what I can tell he has coped with everything life has thrown at him with more dignity, grace, and poise than any of use have ever seen, and doubtfully will ever see again.
I am completely in awe of Kevin Sorbo right now. As I said I have been a fan of his for many year, but now I have discovered a newfound respect and admiration for this great man.
April 4, 2019
I usually steer clear from celebrity bios because they are terminally boring. This one was no exception. But since I had read that Kevin Sorbo had become a Christian, I thought this book would be about his journey from typical egotistical star whose life revolves around his personal success to a godly man surrendering his life to Jesus Christ.
Maybe that came later, but this book is all about Sorbo and his list of achievements, which is no more than what you can expect from an extremely handsome man who meets the right people and lands a great show to star in.
In the late nineties he suffers a stroke and we learn how he recovered and the aftermath of trying to sustain a career while physically recovering from a debilitating condition. We read about his frustrations and his anger at God.
We also learn how he met his wife. Apparently their first kiss was in front of the camera while they were still strangers. That's so romantic.
I kept waiting for the turning point, when Sorbo became the new creature in Christ. It did not happen in this book. I should have known it wouldn't because from the first couple of pages he uses the filthiest language one can read. Dude. Really?
It makes me angry, because he's not the first celebrity to profess to be a Christian while acting scarcely different than unbelievers. Do they think godly living has a celebrity clause that exempts them from the same morally upright behavior, including language, that the rest of us nobodies follow? Maybe God should be grateful when a famous person decides to try out the "Christian" label.
Very disappointing.
Maybe that came later, but this book is all about Sorbo and his list of achievements, which is no more than what you can expect from an extremely handsome man who meets the right people and lands a great show to star in.
In the late nineties he suffers a stroke and we learn how he recovered and the aftermath of trying to sustain a career while physically recovering from a debilitating condition. We read about his frustrations and his anger at God.
We also learn how he met his wife. Apparently their first kiss was in front of the camera while they were still strangers. That's so romantic.
I kept waiting for the turning point, when Sorbo became the new creature in Christ. It did not happen in this book. I should have known it wouldn't because from the first couple of pages he uses the filthiest language one can read. Dude. Really?
It makes me angry, because he's not the first celebrity to profess to be a Christian while acting scarcely different than unbelievers. Do they think godly living has a celebrity clause that exempts them from the same morally upright behavior, including language, that the rest of us nobodies follow? Maybe God should be grateful when a famous person decides to try out the "Christian" label.
Very disappointing.
October 7, 2025
“When I got back to LA I was booked into a six-week Action Hero Boot Camp, and the rest, as they say, is history—with a little mythology thrown in.”
Well-told story of Sorbo’s largely unknown battle with aneurysm, blood clots, and stroke which nearly killed him while portraying demi-gods and science fiction heroes to the world. Straight-forward prose and transparency lift this autobiography above the norm. Written in 2011.
“Huizenga’s evening assurances of being on track to finding the problem only seemed to emphasize the fact that no one knew what was wrong with me.”
Sorbo allows other voices to tell parts of his story, adding depth and perspective. (He kept watching TV even amid the headaches. Would have thought the flashing images would make them worse.)
“‘Norwegian! Your name ends with a f-ing vowel! You’re a f-ing Italian!’ [said Joe Pesci.] We’ve been friends ever since.”
Sorbo is something of a straight arrow among the hedonists of Hollywood. Even before arriving in tinsel town, he eschewed drugs, smoking, and the alternate lifestyles often associated with modeling and acting. Despite being a clean liver, at thirty-eight Sorbo was struck by an aneurysm which triggered blood clots in his left arm and brain—resulting in almost losing the arm and three micro-strokes. Yet he tried to continue his career, marry, and have children.
“Thinking positive things when your health is absolutely tanking is difficult. You become self-absorbed: my vanished past, my lost future. I was clinically depressed, for sure, if that counts as good reason.”
How did he do it? Read the book.
“The unforgiving industry equates dropping out of a show to a betrayal, and I equate my career with my life. The fact that we’re both wrong is irrelevant.”
Well-told story of Sorbo’s largely unknown battle with aneurysm, blood clots, and stroke which nearly killed him while portraying demi-gods and science fiction heroes to the world. Straight-forward prose and transparency lift this autobiography above the norm. Written in 2011.
“Huizenga’s evening assurances of being on track to finding the problem only seemed to emphasize the fact that no one knew what was wrong with me.”
Sorbo allows other voices to tell parts of his story, adding depth and perspective. (He kept watching TV even amid the headaches. Would have thought the flashing images would make them worse.)
“‘Norwegian! Your name ends with a f-ing vowel! You’re a f-ing Italian!’ [said Joe Pesci.] We’ve been friends ever since.”
Sorbo is something of a straight arrow among the hedonists of Hollywood. Even before arriving in tinsel town, he eschewed drugs, smoking, and the alternate lifestyles often associated with modeling and acting. Despite being a clean liver, at thirty-eight Sorbo was struck by an aneurysm which triggered blood clots in his left arm and brain—resulting in almost losing the arm and three micro-strokes. Yet he tried to continue his career, marry, and have children.
“Thinking positive things when your health is absolutely tanking is difficult. You become self-absorbed: my vanished past, my lost future. I was clinically depressed, for sure, if that counts as good reason.”
How did he do it? Read the book.
“The unforgiving industry equates dropping out of a show to a betrayal, and I equate my career with my life. The fact that we’re both wrong is irrelevant.”
October 15, 2011
Sometimes you think you choose a book. And sometimes you realize the book chose you.
One such book is Kevin Sorbo’s True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal–and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life. As you guys know by now I like reading biographies and autobiographies. They allow me to see the world through different eyes.
I preordered this book on a whim, not really expecting much. Maybe some cool Hollywood stories about Hercules and Andromeda (which there are many). I figured it would be a fun little break from school reading.
It was so much more.
This is a book about life, death, hopes, and dreams – dreams that are realized and others that are shattered. This book is a fast read but it is not an easy read. You will laugh, you will tear up, and your stomach will be knotted at times.
This book will stretch you.
Through a linear story with flash backs – we learn that Kevin had an aneurysm and three, yes three, mini-strokes during the hiatus of Hercules. His strokes appear to have been caused after he visits a chiropractor. While there, Sorbo hears a voice telling him not to let the doctor crack his neck. He hears this voice twice. He doesn’t listen.
Kevin goes from being a “demi-god” who needed no help, on the fast track to all his goals, to the shadow of the man he once was (as he saw it). We live through it with him and his wife Sam, his friends, family, and co-workers. We live through the deepest valley with Sorbo, yet even there we see a glimmer of hope; a hope that God is still with Kevin, even through this personal hell.
This is a story of inspiration and hope through the most trying of situations. It should be read by everyone so that they can understand, even if just a little bit, how it feels to live through a stroke or other life altering medical issue, and come out on the other side spiritually renewed. The main lesson in this story is that even when the unthinkable happens, it doesn’t not mean your life is over.
I highly recommend this book – it will be well worth your time.
From Third Option Men
One such book is Kevin Sorbo’s True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal–and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life. As you guys know by now I like reading biographies and autobiographies. They allow me to see the world through different eyes.
I preordered this book on a whim, not really expecting much. Maybe some cool Hollywood stories about Hercules and Andromeda (which there are many). I figured it would be a fun little break from school reading.
It was so much more.
This is a book about life, death, hopes, and dreams – dreams that are realized and others that are shattered. This book is a fast read but it is not an easy read. You will laugh, you will tear up, and your stomach will be knotted at times.
This book will stretch you.
Through a linear story with flash backs – we learn that Kevin had an aneurysm and three, yes three, mini-strokes during the hiatus of Hercules. His strokes appear to have been caused after he visits a chiropractor. While there, Sorbo hears a voice telling him not to let the doctor crack his neck. He hears this voice twice. He doesn’t listen.
Kevin goes from being a “demi-god” who needed no help, on the fast track to all his goals, to the shadow of the man he once was (as he saw it). We live through it with him and his wife Sam, his friends, family, and co-workers. We live through the deepest valley with Sorbo, yet even there we see a glimmer of hope; a hope that God is still with Kevin, even through this personal hell.
This is a story of inspiration and hope through the most trying of situations. It should be read by everyone so that they can understand, even if just a little bit, how it feels to live through a stroke or other life altering medical issue, and come out on the other side spiritually renewed. The main lesson in this story is that even when the unthinkable happens, it doesn’t not mean your life is over.
I highly recommend this book – it will be well worth your time.
From Third Option Men
November 28, 2011
With the sheer number of books that I've read since January, saying that True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal - and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life was the best book that I've read this year is saying a lot. I haven't been reading a lot of non-fiction lately, but when I'd read a blurb about this book through one of my library newsletters, it intrigued me.
For many, Kevin Sorbo was Hercules. This included, to a large degree, himself. When he was struck down at 38 with strokes that affected his thinking, his balance and his ability to live the life he had, life becomes an uphill battle for Kevin and those that love him.
I'd been expecting this to be a true autobiography - telling everything from childhood to present day and the complications from the aneurysm would only be a small part of it. Instead, he only touched briefly on his earlier days and that, primarily, was to set up the changes that he had to make in his life. It really did focus on what this illness did to him and the difficult he had making the changes that were necessary to keep him alive.
Kevin isn't the only one to write about what happened to him. Interspersed throughout the chapters written by Kevin are chapters written by his wife (Sam), his mother and many other friends along the way. They gave a good glimpse into what the outside world was seeing while Kevin was dealing with his own issues.
I think part of why this book may have resonated so strongly with me is because of my own battle with a disease that doesn't allow me to live the life I want - depression. It's often been hard for me to accept that it's ok to slow down some days because of the weight that depression drops on my shoulders. Seeing someone with the physical and mental strength of Kevin Sorbo having to deal with those same issues reminded me that accepting isn't giving up.
I also loved reading about Kevin and Sam and the love they share for one another. It's rare in Hollywood to see love that lasts. But their love... it's been tested in a stronger fire than being on the set surrounded by sexy co-stars or having fans that are willing to do anything for the favorite stars. They hadn't been engaged long when Kevin was hospitalized for the aneurysm, but they managed to stay together through the roughest times. Sam admits that if Kevin hadn't had to endure this, they may not have survived together. He was a work-a-holic that put in 18 hour days and unthinkingly expected her to make the changes to fit into his life. But his illness taught them both a lot about each other and made their relationship stronger. I hope never to have to deal with the same kind of trial-by-fire, but I do hope to have that same kind of love with Rich for the rest of my days.
What amazes me most is that he was able to keep this secret for so long. In this entitled world, where everyone feels it's their right to know everything about those who have achieved fortune and fame, being able to keep a secret of this magnitude is mind-boggling. It took a lot of courage for him to write this book and I'm very glad he did.
For many, Kevin Sorbo was Hercules. This included, to a large degree, himself. When he was struck down at 38 with strokes that affected his thinking, his balance and his ability to live the life he had, life becomes an uphill battle for Kevin and those that love him.
I'd been expecting this to be a true autobiography - telling everything from childhood to present day and the complications from the aneurysm would only be a small part of it. Instead, he only touched briefly on his earlier days and that, primarily, was to set up the changes that he had to make in his life. It really did focus on what this illness did to him and the difficult he had making the changes that were necessary to keep him alive.
Kevin isn't the only one to write about what happened to him. Interspersed throughout the chapters written by Kevin are chapters written by his wife (Sam), his mother and many other friends along the way. They gave a good glimpse into what the outside world was seeing while Kevin was dealing with his own issues.
I think part of why this book may have resonated so strongly with me is because of my own battle with a disease that doesn't allow me to live the life I want - depression. It's often been hard for me to accept that it's ok to slow down some days because of the weight that depression drops on my shoulders. Seeing someone with the physical and mental strength of Kevin Sorbo having to deal with those same issues reminded me that accepting isn't giving up.
I also loved reading about Kevin and Sam and the love they share for one another. It's rare in Hollywood to see love that lasts. But their love... it's been tested in a stronger fire than being on the set surrounded by sexy co-stars or having fans that are willing to do anything for the favorite stars. They hadn't been engaged long when Kevin was hospitalized for the aneurysm, but they managed to stay together through the roughest times. Sam admits that if Kevin hadn't had to endure this, they may not have survived together. He was a work-a-holic that put in 18 hour days and unthinkingly expected her to make the changes to fit into his life. But his illness taught them both a lot about each other and made their relationship stronger. I hope never to have to deal with the same kind of trial-by-fire, but I do hope to have that same kind of love with Rich for the rest of my days.
What amazes me most is that he was able to keep this secret for so long. In this entitled world, where everyone feels it's their right to know everything about those who have achieved fortune and fame, being able to keep a secret of this magnitude is mind-boggling. It took a lot of courage for him to write this book and I'm very glad he did.
March 4, 2019
Like so many other people, I was introduced to Kevin Sorbo the actor via his very successful TV series "Hercules, The Legendary Journey". After that there was Gene Roddenberry's "Andromeda". But for me, the role I truly enjoyed him playing was in "What If...". It opened my eyes to the Kevin Sorbo the person. I later found out that he battled a serious illness, which he won, for himself and his family.
This book is about his battle. It is raw, it is honest, and it is humbling.
LIVE YOUR LIVES I say. Do not wait for a better tomorrow, because all you really have is this moment and the people in your life. Spend these moments doing good and meaningful things. I have never seen "S/he made a lot of money" engraved on a tombstone.
This book is about his battle. It is raw, it is honest, and it is humbling.
LIVE YOUR LIVES I say. Do not wait for a better tomorrow, because all you really have is this moment and the people in your life. Spend these moments doing good and meaningful things. I have never seen "S/he made a lot of money" engraved on a tombstone.
January 7, 2012
I've been a fan of "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys" since the day the first movie premiered. That show, and the character of Hercules, shaped my impressionable teen years. I learned a lot about myself through it, somehow. I remember when Kevin got sick and was off the show for a bit, but of course I really had no idea that the man almost DIED. The production team kept it quiet. But really no one aside from Kevin, his wife, and his doctors actually knew the true extent of Kevin's health issues. (Nerd alert: I listened to the DVD commentaries of those episodes when they were released in 2004, and even then they only eluded to his health scare.)
Kevin Sorbo's memoir of the health crisis that nearly killed him is unapologetically honest. It needs to be. Fourteen years after experiencing the aneurysm and the strokes that nearly took his life, Kevin spills it all. He doesn't hold back, even when he talks about how weary and depressed he was while struggling with his recovery while trying to move on with his career and life in general. I sobbed through most of this book. I laughed through the rest. Kevin's story pulled my heart in all sorts of directions.
I would have enjoyed this book even if I wasn't a fan of Kevin, though being a fan is primarily the reason I picked it up, of course. I loved Kevin's personal anecdotes. I was moved by his private struggle. I felt all mushy when he talked about his relationship with his wife. Kevin's likable personality shined through and held everything together. Interspersed are essays penned by his wife, co-workers from the production of "Hercules," and even one by his mother. I listened to this on audio, and Kevin does the narration himself while Sam, his wife, read the other parts. At a few points in the reading, you can almost hear both Kevin and Sam nearly break down in tears. Which, of course, made ME break down in tears.
I loved this book. It was both heart-warming and heart-breaking in all the right places. It left me with a wonderful feeling, and it thankfully never slips into "self-help"/advice-giving mode that it very easily could have. Kevin tells his story, and you're free to make of it what you will.
After reading this and learning what Kevin went through, he has replaced Hercules as my hero. This book is a remarkable act of bravery.
Kevin Sorbo's memoir of the health crisis that nearly killed him is unapologetically honest. It needs to be. Fourteen years after experiencing the aneurysm and the strokes that nearly took his life, Kevin spills it all. He doesn't hold back, even when he talks about how weary and depressed he was while struggling with his recovery while trying to move on with his career and life in general. I sobbed through most of this book. I laughed through the rest. Kevin's story pulled my heart in all sorts of directions.
I would have enjoyed this book even if I wasn't a fan of Kevin, though being a fan is primarily the reason I picked it up, of course. I loved Kevin's personal anecdotes. I was moved by his private struggle. I felt all mushy when he talked about his relationship with his wife. Kevin's likable personality shined through and held everything together. Interspersed are essays penned by his wife, co-workers from the production of "Hercules," and even one by his mother. I listened to this on audio, and Kevin does the narration himself while Sam, his wife, read the other parts. At a few points in the reading, you can almost hear both Kevin and Sam nearly break down in tears. Which, of course, made ME break down in tears.
I loved this book. It was both heart-warming and heart-breaking in all the right places. It left me with a wonderful feeling, and it thankfully never slips into "self-help"/advice-giving mode that it very easily could have. Kevin tells his story, and you're free to make of it what you will.
After reading this and learning what Kevin went through, he has replaced Hercules as my hero. This book is a remarkable act of bravery.
August 9, 2016
I'm so glad I picked up "True Strength: My Journey from Hercules to Mere Mortal and How Nearly Dying Saved My Life." Kevin Sorbo does a masterful job of telling how he lived during the filming of the series, "Hercules: The Legendary Journeys," and how he spent long days on set where he did his own stunts, devoted his evenings to working out and learning his lines, and got by on only four hours of sleep.
That all changed when an aneurysm in his shoulder led him to have three mini-strokes that affected, among other things, his sight and balance. As a lifelong athlete, he found it a challenge to do things he had always taken for granted. As easily as he shared his strengths and successes in earlier chapters, he shares his weaknesses and frustrations in the subsequent ones.
Adding to the book were occasional chapters by his wife and his co-workers, who describe Sorbo's illness and journey to recovery from an outsider's perspective.
This compelling book reveals the heart and soul of a boy from a small Midwestern town who achieves Hollywood success by staying true to himself and his values and then, after his mini-strokes, struggles to regain his health and keep working.
That all changed when an aneurysm in his shoulder led him to have three mini-strokes that affected, among other things, his sight and balance. As a lifelong athlete, he found it a challenge to do things he had always taken for granted. As easily as he shared his strengths and successes in earlier chapters, he shares his weaknesses and frustrations in the subsequent ones.
Adding to the book were occasional chapters by his wife and his co-workers, who describe Sorbo's illness and journey to recovery from an outsider's perspective.
This compelling book reveals the heart and soul of a boy from a small Midwestern town who achieves Hollywood success by staying true to himself and his values and then, after his mini-strokes, struggles to regain his health and keep working.
February 21, 2012
An exceptional book, one that I'm glad to have read. I knew of the series, but aside from a handful of glimpses of the show and its spinoffs, didn't follow it, so I wasn't aware of the health issues Sorbo went through at the time. The book was recommended to me, and it's not at all the sort of standard name dropping sort of memoir you might expect out of an actor.
Instead it's a gripping, powerfully rendered account by Sorbo (with the odd contribution here and there from others for good measure) of his life, and two matters in particular: the health matter that nearly killed him and the love of his wife and family that got him through it. Sorbo writes in a matter of fact, honest way that makes us admire him all the more. He details the ups and downs of life after the aneurysm and ministrokes that put him in such a critical condition, the lessons he's learned, and the adjustments he's had to make in his recovery. Finishing the book, you can't help but like the man and his wife. The story laid out here is one of resiliance and love, and it's a satisfying read.
Instead it's a gripping, powerfully rendered account by Sorbo (with the odd contribution here and there from others for good measure) of his life, and two matters in particular: the health matter that nearly killed him and the love of his wife and family that got him through it. Sorbo writes in a matter of fact, honest way that makes us admire him all the more. He details the ups and downs of life after the aneurysm and ministrokes that put him in such a critical condition, the lessons he's learned, and the adjustments he's had to make in his recovery. Finishing the book, you can't help but like the man and his wife. The story laid out here is one of resiliance and love, and it's a satisfying read.
October 2, 2013
TRUE STRENGTH chronicles Kevin Sorbo's journey from male model to king of syndicated television. At the same time, it provides an intimate look at the debilitating health problems that nearly cost him everything he'd worked so hard to achieve. Half the book pertains to Sorbo's movie and television career, while the other half concerns itself with Sorbo's attempts to deal with his health issues, both physically and spiritually. It's a heartfelt book, but rather poorly written and self-congratulatory (some of Sorbo's costars--Bruce Campbell, Michael Hurst, etc.--are even given their own chapters for weighing in on how great Sorbo is). Unfortunately, the book fails to cover any of Sorbo's post-ANDROMEDA work, which means that the last ten years of his acting career get completely overlooked. I love getting the behind-the-scenes scoop on shows like HERCULES and ANDROMEDA, but Sorbo's long-winded depictions of him battling his illness eventually become tedious, unless you're someone who really enjoys delving deeply into the personal lives of celebrities long past their prime.
December 12, 2011
Kevin Sorbo has been my favorite actor since he first starred in TV's Hercules The Legendary Journeys movies in 1994 which became a Hit TV series for 7 years... Then Kevin moved on to star in Gene Roddenberry's Andromeda and this book tells of the 3 strokes he suffered during the 4th season of Hercules and took him well into the 2nd season Andromeda to get back to as close to normal as possible... This is a very inspiring story of the True Strength it took for Kevin Sorbo a wonderful and extremely talented actor to struggle to be back to himself... How his wonderful girlfriend and now wife of 13 years Sam (Jenkins Sorbo was his support and a genuine Angel through it all... I think everyone should read this book and not just because Kevin is my very favorite actor....
March 29, 2012
Overall, some good life lessons from a TV star who comes off as a likeable human being.
Interesting critique of medical system, given that he's a young super-fit rich guy with an acute illness and so exactly what American medicine should be good at dealing with, but his care overall leaves a lot to be desired.
A sort of predictable survival story (he's alive to write the book).
Ironic that living the life of Hercules every day didn't teach him about the "hero's journey" or how to deal with tragedy.
Knowing how sick he was while playing Hercules makes his acting seem pretty impressive.
Interesting critique of medical system, given that he's a young super-fit rich guy with an acute illness and so exactly what American medicine should be good at dealing with, but his care overall leaves a lot to be desired.
A sort of predictable survival story (he's alive to write the book).
Ironic that living the life of Hercules every day didn't teach him about the "hero's journey" or how to deal with tragedy.
Knowing how sick he was while playing Hercules makes his acting seem pretty impressive.
December 12, 2011
Very good. I had heard about Sorbo's illness before, but never the extent. Of course, that was the point. Not only is the story about him and the medical, emotional, and career issues he faced, but also about what his family and friends went through along the way. A great story of faith, love, and perseverence. With sections written by others, it really all comes together very nicely. A few more pictures would have been fun ;)
June 5, 2017
I am grateful that this book was recommended to me. Still in the early phase of recovering from a concussion at the time of my life when my career was going well, this book helped me get to a new phase of acceptance of my medical situation. I highly recommend it to those who want to understand what their loved ones may be experiencing post brain injury as he describes the physical and emotional challenges so very well.
January 6, 2012
Great book on how a health crisis saved Kevin's life and changed how he viewed and lived each day. i very much appreciate his honesty about the challenges that providentially came his way and how his God, wife, faith and hope carried him through.
March 28, 2012
Very much enjoyed this book, very eye opening. I learned a lot about how a stroke not only effects the person, but also how tough it is on those around them.
Life can change in an instant.
Life can change in an instant.
June 2, 2025
This is a terribly-written book that is not about Kevin Sorbo's life or career. It's about his illness and he spends about 2/3's of the book doing nothing but complaining or overpraising his early career success. Though it's meant to be "inspiring" and he does bring a small element of faith to the discussion, overall it's depressing and makes him look incredibly weak.
Sorbo starts by skipping through his first 25 years in just a dozen pages--don't look for any details because none are given (you don't even know much about his Minnesota roots until later in the book). He out of nowhere quits college, heads to Texas and Europe to become a model (no details of that career) and then breaks up with the female model he's in love with because he's convinced he's going to be a TV star! Strange. Then Sorbo says he does dozens of guest shots on TV shows, but there are no stories about them--how could he appear on some big hits from that era and say nothing about them?
He instead quickly jumps to Hercules, really the only significant credit he has and one that he at least a dozen times calls "the most-watched show in the world." Which also meant he was the most famous star in the world, supposedly. No lack of humility here. He acts like a superhero on screen and off.
When he is hit by a series of small strokes he begins to blame everyone around him--his chiropractor, his doctors, his workload, his uncooperative producers, etc. He complains, then complains, and then complains some more. There is nothing entertaining about any of this--we get no insight into the shooting of the TV show, no behind-the-scenes look into the life of a Hollywood star (other than how difficult it is for him to have to sign an autograph while being rolled into the operating room!) or not even much about his actress wife. The author drones on and on about how bad he feels and how he doesn't want to work or doesn't want to go to an event.
By the end of the book he decides to quit Hercules, take up a new show Andromeda (which he again claims is an amazing #1 success, which ignores reality) and by the closing pages we're still pretty much stuck in the year 2001. The book was published in 2011. He quickly covers his kids' births in a couple pages, tosses in a "I still don't feel well but have learned to take the good from the bad" ending, and suddenly it's all over. It looks like it was actually written ten years earlier and sat on a shelf. There's a good reason why--it's pretty bad.
The book jumps back and forth in its timelines without explanation, making it all difficult to follow. Others write chapters or sections of chapters that are inserted without explanation or even as part of a sensible timeline. And this man of faith (who has gone on to make some Christian films) becomes friendly with an "acupuncturist/witch" without explanation.
Whoever published this needed to cut out at least half of the whining, put in much more personal details so he doesn't look like such a perfect guy (no pillow talk revealed here, nor any drugs or drinking), and include more about the last ten years of his life! A pretty weak attempt from a man who claims to have true strength.
Read in 2014 and 2025.
Sorbo starts by skipping through his first 25 years in just a dozen pages--don't look for any details because none are given (you don't even know much about his Minnesota roots until later in the book). He out of nowhere quits college, heads to Texas and Europe to become a model (no details of that career) and then breaks up with the female model he's in love with because he's convinced he's going to be a TV star! Strange. Then Sorbo says he does dozens of guest shots on TV shows, but there are no stories about them--how could he appear on some big hits from that era and say nothing about them?
He instead quickly jumps to Hercules, really the only significant credit he has and one that he at least a dozen times calls "the most-watched show in the world." Which also meant he was the most famous star in the world, supposedly. No lack of humility here. He acts like a superhero on screen and off.
When he is hit by a series of small strokes he begins to blame everyone around him--his chiropractor, his doctors, his workload, his uncooperative producers, etc. He complains, then complains, and then complains some more. There is nothing entertaining about any of this--we get no insight into the shooting of the TV show, no behind-the-scenes look into the life of a Hollywood star (other than how difficult it is for him to have to sign an autograph while being rolled into the operating room!) or not even much about his actress wife. The author drones on and on about how bad he feels and how he doesn't want to work or doesn't want to go to an event.
By the end of the book he decides to quit Hercules, take up a new show Andromeda (which he again claims is an amazing #1 success, which ignores reality) and by the closing pages we're still pretty much stuck in the year 2001. The book was published in 2011. He quickly covers his kids' births in a couple pages, tosses in a "I still don't feel well but have learned to take the good from the bad" ending, and suddenly it's all over. It looks like it was actually written ten years earlier and sat on a shelf. There's a good reason why--it's pretty bad.
The book jumps back and forth in its timelines without explanation, making it all difficult to follow. Others write chapters or sections of chapters that are inserted without explanation or even as part of a sensible timeline. And this man of faith (who has gone on to make some Christian films) becomes friendly with an "acupuncturist/witch" without explanation.
Whoever published this needed to cut out at least half of the whining, put in much more personal details so he doesn't look like such a perfect guy (no pillow talk revealed here, nor any drugs or drinking), and include more about the last ten years of his life! A pretty weak attempt from a man who claims to have true strength.
Read in 2014 and 2025.
April 2, 2024
ReedIII Quick Review: Detailed triumphant recovery journal from a man of faith. Very positive and encouraging, highlighting how important his God, wife, faith & hope are to Sorbo. Note this is very light on biography but truly a recovery journal from an aneurysm and 3 mini-strokes.
September 3, 2016
Memoirs tend to chronicle the events that have taken place in a person’s life from birth to the present day. Kevin Sorbo’s “True Strength” is different because he starts his life over after having suffered three aneurisms at the age of 38. This is his story, which tells of the new fortitude he found in coping with illness that should have resolved itself after 3 to 8 months according to his doctors.
The journey he faced mirrored the best-known character he portrayed in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Kevin’s ability to be normal challenged him for many years after nearly dying. He had to cover-up his disabilities during the filming of “Hercules,” as the contract with studio called for substantial financial gain after 100 episodes aired. The finances were not only important to him, but to the rest of those involved with the show. Fans were out of the loop with respect to how serious his health issues had become. Many scenes filmed showed Kevin sitting on a log and dubbing old footage along with stuntmen to keep the action moving. Those working with him were well aware of his limitations to work only very short periods and then having to rest.
Recovery was very slow for Kevin, but this caused him to foment a new philosophy of life. He realized those things, which he truly enjoyed, were now outdated. He would have to find new outlets and a new style of living. His relationship with his wife Sam became stronger and his reliance upon another person replaced his being away on the golf course or traipsing around the world in furtherance of his career. Sam succinctly brought it to his attention during the recovery period by stating their marriage might have failed had it not been for his slowing down and paying more attention to home.
Whenever people would ask Kevin how he was doing, he would always answer that everything was fine. In truth, he had headaches, dizziness, problems with balance, and generalized fatigue. He was not doing well at all, but the public and friends never knew this. Literally, he was a mess!
This book is really an inspiration to those who incur these same problems. It shows that with the will to go on, following the advice of doctors, and most importantly accepting support from significant others, “True Strength” emerges. This book is intended to give hope those who have encountered unforeseen ailments and need encouragement to overcome their frailties.
There is an upbeat conclusion to Kevin’s journey as he describes his relationships with his children and the true meaning of family life. This is a four star book which is recommended to everyone.
The journey he faced mirrored the best-known character he portrayed in “Hercules: The Legendary Journeys. Kevin’s ability to be normal challenged him for many years after nearly dying. He had to cover-up his disabilities during the filming of “Hercules,” as the contract with studio called for substantial financial gain after 100 episodes aired. The finances were not only important to him, but to the rest of those involved with the show. Fans were out of the loop with respect to how serious his health issues had become. Many scenes filmed showed Kevin sitting on a log and dubbing old footage along with stuntmen to keep the action moving. Those working with him were well aware of his limitations to work only very short periods and then having to rest.
Recovery was very slow for Kevin, but this caused him to foment a new philosophy of life. He realized those things, which he truly enjoyed, were now outdated. He would have to find new outlets and a new style of living. His relationship with his wife Sam became stronger and his reliance upon another person replaced his being away on the golf course or traipsing around the world in furtherance of his career. Sam succinctly brought it to his attention during the recovery period by stating their marriage might have failed had it not been for his slowing down and paying more attention to home.
Whenever people would ask Kevin how he was doing, he would always answer that everything was fine. In truth, he had headaches, dizziness, problems with balance, and generalized fatigue. He was not doing well at all, but the public and friends never knew this. Literally, he was a mess!
This book is really an inspiration to those who incur these same problems. It shows that with the will to go on, following the advice of doctors, and most importantly accepting support from significant others, “True Strength” emerges. This book is intended to give hope those who have encountered unforeseen ailments and need encouragement to overcome their frailties.
There is an upbeat conclusion to Kevin’s journey as he describes his relationships with his children and the true meaning of family life. This is a four star book which is recommended to everyone.
November 14, 2013
I had the great honor to meet Kevin this last Sept. Yep, I was a total fangirl. But after wanting to meet him for nearly 20 years what could you expect?? I had picked up this book before I met him thinking I might have him sign it, I went for a frame-able picture instead. After Salt Lake Comic Con I finally got a chance to read the book. I found it inspiring and fascinating.
As a fan I well remember the news about Kevin's aneurism and that some things would be different on the show. I remember concern when there were so many episodes without him that season. It wasn't until I read his book that fans and the public in general knew how bad it was. It was bad. Our hero nearly died. Three strokes at 38.
Kevin doesn't hold anything back in telling his experience dealing and healing. He shows us his vulnerability, his fears, his efforts to conceal the depth of his sickness, and his dependence on others for help. I'm sure going through that was a very humbling experience for him especially at that point in his career. I believe that having the courage to lay it out for all the world to see was also another humbling experience, but I believe it would help others from his example and his message of hope and perseverance. I saw as much at SLCC.
Kevin's narration is never boring. He makes excellent use of a tool where he pauses in his recovery story to relate of an incident from his past. At first it may seem that the story is just a memory from the past, but he ties it in very well. In fact, it serves to show how the past experiences gave him the strength to work through his recovery and made him who he was.
I freely admit that at the height of Hercules fan-dom he had many very adoring fans. I was one! Doubtless many of us felt a degree of envy of Sam Jenkins when she began dating Kevin then marrying him later. Through this book I can to admire her strength and unending support of him as she watched the man she knew very well turn into something he wasn't. She was absolutely his rock and anchor. She was smart, positive, supporting, and nurturing. She's picked up a new fan. I'm very glad they have each other.
Kevin's message of hope and determination to work through problems while being true to oneself is encouraging and inspiring. I feel a better person for having experienced his story.
As a fan I well remember the news about Kevin's aneurism and that some things would be different on the show. I remember concern when there were so many episodes without him that season. It wasn't until I read his book that fans and the public in general knew how bad it was. It was bad. Our hero nearly died. Three strokes at 38.
Kevin doesn't hold anything back in telling his experience dealing and healing. He shows us his vulnerability, his fears, his efforts to conceal the depth of his sickness, and his dependence on others for help. I'm sure going through that was a very humbling experience for him especially at that point in his career. I believe that having the courage to lay it out for all the world to see was also another humbling experience, but I believe it would help others from his example and his message of hope and perseverance. I saw as much at SLCC.
Kevin's narration is never boring. He makes excellent use of a tool where he pauses in his recovery story to relate of an incident from his past. At first it may seem that the story is just a memory from the past, but he ties it in very well. In fact, it serves to show how the past experiences gave him the strength to work through his recovery and made him who he was.
I freely admit that at the height of Hercules fan-dom he had many very adoring fans. I was one! Doubtless many of us felt a degree of envy of Sam Jenkins when she began dating Kevin then marrying him later. Through this book I can to admire her strength and unending support of him as she watched the man she knew very well turn into something he wasn't. She was absolutely his rock and anchor. She was smart, positive, supporting, and nurturing. She's picked up a new fan. I'm very glad they have each other.
Kevin's message of hope and determination to work through problems while being true to oneself is encouraging and inspiring. I feel a better person for having experienced his story.
September 27, 2018
Anyone who has been struck by a sudden, life-long illness or injury knows that no one can really understand what that one person is going through. The details, the effects, the consequences will be different for each person, the life before and after is going to look different. What is constant is that there is change, that life in the after may be unrecognizable from the before, especially to the person living it. And this is what Keven Sorbo expresses so well. So many times in reading this I wanted to say "yes! exactly that!" Obviously few people are in the situation that he is in, in the spotlight, so young for such a drastic turn of events, and yet is certainly a life tale that many people facing a life altering injury or chronic illness can relate to, whatever the individual details. Hopefully it is a story that others who haven't met such challenges can gain a deeper empathy from as well.
A very enjoyable read as well, with strong writing. Towards the end it's perhaps less organized, and that didn't bother me a bit, outweighed by the strengths and the lessons within.
A very enjoyable read as well, with strong writing. Towards the end it's perhaps less organized, and that didn't bother me a bit, outweighed by the strengths and the lessons within.
August 15, 2018
This book is self-indulgent if nothing else. However, if you couldn't tell that from the title you probably haven't been paying attention. Sorbo is not what I would call a "likable" individual. This book basically follows him through his rather forced courtship with his wife, fellow thespian Samantha Sorbo, his "struggle" with an aneurysm, which he passively blames on a chiropractor, and his subsequent "triumph" over his condition, leading him to his role as Dylan Hunt on "Andromeda."
The book is filled with some god-awful ego-stoking and humble-bragging, and there's this entire section of the book about his pre-Samantha dating-life, where it more or less seems he's looking for someone pliable and easy to control, rather than an actual partner. I've read plenty of stories of how difficult he is to work with, how controlling he was during the production of "Andromeda," and after reading this poorly-written, and somewhat creepy dreck, I have no trouble believing these stories.
The book is filled with some god-awful ego-stoking and humble-bragging, and there's this entire section of the book about his pre-Samantha dating-life, where it more or less seems he's looking for someone pliable and easy to control, rather than an actual partner. I've read plenty of stories of how difficult he is to work with, how controlling he was during the production of "Andromeda," and after reading this poorly-written, and somewhat creepy dreck, I have no trouble believing these stories.
July 9, 2021
If you are a fan of the tv show Hercules and liked Kevin Sorbo in the role, this book will be of interest to you. Kevin gives full disclosure of his health problems and how they effected both his career and his personal life.
It’s not completely clear if it was intentional or not, but one clear message that comes through is that his wife truly loves him and must be an amazing person to be the partner she was during his difficult times. This is comes through even more poignantly as you realize they hadn’t really known each other that long when all his health issues arose.
He talks openly about his self pity, disgust of his weakness and his inability to separate himself from his greatest acting role. His belief in a higher power, God, plays a big roll in his ability to overcome and accept who he now is.
The book drones on a little too much when he explains over and over the same symptoms.
It’s not completely clear if it was intentional or not, but one clear message that comes through is that his wife truly loves him and must be an amazing person to be the partner she was during his difficult times. This is comes through even more poignantly as you realize they hadn’t really known each other that long when all his health issues arose.
He talks openly about his self pity, disgust of his weakness and his inability to separate himself from his greatest acting role. His belief in a higher power, God, plays a big roll in his ability to overcome and accept who he now is.
The book drones on a little too much when he explains over and over the same symptoms.
April 7, 2014
Having never watched any of Sorbo's TV acting, my draw to this book was his being from my home state of Minnesota and his living in New Zealand during the filming of Hercules. Those descriptions I enjoyed; however, his main theme was how he was forced to adjust to physical disease or injury, strokes caused by mysterious blood clots reaching his brain. From the viewpoint of those who have had healthy physical lives, that was probably very compelling reading. For others of us, it may have seemed like whining and overkill. But I am glad he wrote the book and he does stand as an outstanding and visible example of how a new life can be forged from the remnants of another, lost forever, type of life.
August 11, 2018
This was a great read... I ran across this by accident at the library and I remember I used to love watching Hercules: The Legendary Journeys and I have seen some of the other movies that Kevin Sorbo has made and I was intrigued to read it, it did not disappoint, to see his real life ambition and growth and success and then the illness that could have killed him and the strength that he was able to build to better his life. A positive outlook for anyone who is struggling with illness depression or physical limitations. And very well written, I did notice a couple of typos but not enough to stop me from reading.
September 18, 2014
I picked this book up soon after it came out simply because I was going to New York Comic Con and wanted Kevin to sign it. Boy, was I in for a treat. It's wonderfully written, with touching stories that made me tear up from time to time. I grew up watching HERCULES and learned so much reading this. I had no idea he had gone through these health problems. Meeting him was also a delight. He's a very kind and approachable man.
I definitely recommend this for fans of his works or just someone looking for a good true story of overcoming the odds.
I definitely recommend this for fans of his works or just someone looking for a good true story of overcoming the odds.
January 28, 2012
I really enjoyed this autobiography. It's well written, honest, and very readable. I'm not a huge action-adventure person (ie, not at all) but was very interested in Sorbo's account of his struggle with health problems and his journey towards spiritual and physical health. Sorbo's a likeable fellow and an excellent writer also.
June 27, 2012
Surprisingly interesting. I could have done without some of the celebrity name-dropping, and basically all the stuff that wasn't about Hercules or Sorbo's medical condition, but the book really does give a sense of the frustration of being forced by a stroke to limit a previously really active life, and the difficulty of accepting that.
April 30, 2017
The nicest way I can put this is that Kevin Sorbo should have hired a ghost writer. His wife, whom he credits as helping him to write the book, is a better writer than he is (as evidenced by the chapters she wrote), but she wasn't good enough to make the book a good read. There are life lessons and good stories here that are lost to the reader because poor writing and organization smother them.
January 30, 2012
The book was awesome. It was hard to put down.
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