Biography of actor Sylvester Stallone
Also known as Sly and the Italian Stallion, this Academy Award nominated actor, director, producer, and screenwriter is synonymous with the signature tough-guy action heroes he portrays. At the age of sixty, he still commands up to twenty million dollars per film, making him one of Hollywood ’s most enduring stars.
Sylvester Stallone was born on July 6, 1946, in New York, New York . After high school, he attended the University of Miami, whose alumni include Ray Liotta and The Rock, but he left shortly before graduation to pursue an acting career. Like most actors, Stallone’s success was not immediate; he had un-credited parts in several films including Woody Allen’s Bananas. He also won starring and supporting roles in the cult films The Lords of Flatbush, with Perry King, Henry Winkler, and Paul Mace; and Death Race 2000.
In 1976, Stallone’s dreams of making it big came true. After witnessing the Ali-Chuck Wepner fight, Stallone returned home and began writing a script. The script was eventually made into Rocky, one of the most successful films of all time. Not only did Stallone write the script, he also took the risky move of starring in the film. Despite being almost an unknown at the time, Rocky catapulted Stallone to instant stardom. Other memorable actors in the film include Talia Shire as Rocky’s wife, Adrian; Burt Young as Adrienne’s brother; Carl Weaters as Apollo Creed; and Burgess Meredith as Coach Mickey.
The film was nominated for ten Academy Awards, and took home Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing. The surprise success of the film led to the release of three sequels, although they did not equal the original in terms of their critical acclaim. In December of 2006, a full thirty years after Stallone introduced the world to Rocky, he will reprise his career, playing the role once again in the upcoming film Rocky Balboa.
Aside from his first notable film series, Stallone is probably also best known as the writer and star of the Rambo films, which included First Blood, Rambo: First Blood Part II , and Rambo III , which helped co-star Mr T gain stardom. Coincidentally, he will also portray this character once again in Rambo IV: In the Serpent’s Eye, which is slated for release in 2007.
Sylvester’s other writing and directing credits include Tango and Cash, also starring Kurt Russell and Teri Hatcher; Staying Alive, which starred John Travolta; and the 1993 film Cliffhanger, featuring a buff, muscular Stallone. His other acting credits are too numerous to name in their entirety, but include Judge Dread, Assassins, Demolition Man, Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot, and the more recent Avenging Angelo. He has occasionally tried to branch out from his typical roles, such as when he co-starred with Robert De Niro and Ray Liotta in Cop Land , which was only mildly successful at the box office despite favorable critical reviews. He will probably always be received best by audiences as the strong, tough action hero.
Stallone’s honors include being named Action Star of the Millenium in 2002 by the Video Dealers Software Association. He also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
During his prolific career, the actor has also managed to become involved with a large number of women. Stallone’s first marriage was in 1974 to photographer Sasha Czack. They had two children before their divorce in 1985. Next was actress Brigitte Nielsen, who appeared in Rocky IV. After a short two years, however, that relationship also ended. Currently, Stallone is married to Jennifer Flavin, who appeared in Rocky V. They have been married since 1997 and have three children, making Sly a father of five.
Aside from his numerous marriages, Stallone has also had relationships with several high profile women, including Susan Anton, Angie Everhart, Pamela Anderson, Naomi Campbell, and Janice Dickinson. YUDDY |
