Sylvester Stallone is one of the most famous Italian-American actors of all time. His most famous role is that of Rocky Balboa in the Rocky films. He is also a director, producer and screenwriter. Here are 15 things you may not know about this talented actor.
- His real name is Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone and he is nicknamed Sly Stallone.
- He was born in Hell’s Kitchen in New York City on July 6, 1946.
- Jackie and Frank Stallone Senior are his parents. He has a brother, Frank.
- Sylvester Stallone had a difficult childhood. He spent his first years in and out of foster care due to an unstable home life and his parents divorced in 1957 when Stallone was nine.
- In his teens, he was expelled from 14 schools because of issues with his behaviour.
- Stallone has been married three times; Sasha Czack from 1974 to 1985, Brigitte Nielson between 1985 and 1987 and Jennifer Flavin who is his current wife who he married in 1997.
- He is famous for his snarl but this facial expression is not part of his act. It is because of a severed facial muscle that was caused by the forceps needed when his mother experienced complications while giving birth to her son.
- He received an athletic scholarship to study at the American College of Switzerland and worked part-time as an athletics coach for girls.
- While at college, he took part in a production of ‘Death of a Salesman’, by Arthur Miller. This inspired him to study drama at the University of Miami and pursue a career in acting.
- After many failed auditions, he won his first film role. It was for a soft pornography film called ‘The Party at Kitty and Stud’s’ and he earned $20 for his part. When Stallone became famous, the film was rereleased and renamed ‘The Italian Stallion’
- His lack of acting success led to him being homeless and living in a bus terminal in New York City for three weeks.
- Sylvester Stallone got his big acting break when he played the part of Rocky Balboa in ‘Rocky’ in 1976. He wrote the film himself and it was produced by John G. Avildsen.
- Rocky grossed $225 million at the box office in global receipts.
- Rocky won three Oscars for Best Picture, Best Film Editing and Best Director.
- Sylvester Stallone has five children. His sons are called Sage Moonblood and Seargeoh. His three daughters are Sophia, Sistene and Scarlet.
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