Sylvester Stallone was born with a partially paralyzed face due to complications during his birth, which resulted in his signature slurred speech and snarling look.
He wrote the script for 'Rocky' in just three days and refused to sell it unless he could star in the film, despite being a relatively unknown actor at the time.
Stallone was so dedicated to making 'Rocky' that he sold his dog to raise money to survive. He later bought the dog back after the film's success.
The original 'Rocky' movie was made on a budget of just over $1 million but went on to gross over $225 million worldwide and won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture.
Sylvester Stallone performed many of his own stunts in the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' films, often sustaining injuries during filming.
He was nominated for two Academy Awards for 'Rocky,' one for Best Actor and one for Best Original Screenplay, making him one of the few people to be nominated for both in the same year.
Stallone’s first starring role was in the 1970 softcore film 'The Party at Kitty and Stud's,' which was later re-released as 'Italian Stallion' after his rise to fame.
In addition to his acting career, Stallone is an accomplished artist and has exhibited his paintings in galleries around the world.
He directed and starred in several of the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' sequels, showcasing his talents behind the camera as well as in front of it.
Sylvester Stallone was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011 for his contributions to the sport through his portrayal of Rocky Balboa.
He is an advocate for fitness and bodybuilding and has been featured on the cover of numerous fitness magazines over the years.
Stallone co-wrote, directed, and starred in 'The Expendables' series, which brought together many of the greatest action stars of the 1980s and 1990s.
He has a strong business acumen and has been involved in various ventures, including owning a chain of Planet Hollywood restaurants with Bruce Willis and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Sylvester Stallone was originally cast as Axel Foley in 'Beverly Hills Cop,' but left the project due to creative differences, leading to the role going to Eddie Murphy.
He is a father of five children and has been married three times, most recently to Jennifer Flavin, with whom he has three daughters.