On his 66th birthday, here's a pictorial tribute to the 'The Italian Stallion
Rambo and Rocky still are the synonyms of masculinity. One of the evergreen icons of America, Stallone continues to be revered as a writer, director and a superstar.
He may not be a happening star. He is not a has-been either. 'Sly' Stallone is very much alive, kicking and punching! He has been in Hollywood fans' collective memory ever since he drew 'First Blood'.
Sylvester was born on 6 July, 1946 to hairdresser Frank Stallone, Sr. and a fame-crazed Jackie Stallone who tried every profession from being an astrologer to promoting women's wrestling in a bid to be famous.
During his birth, the doctors accidently severed one of his nerves and left the lower left side of his face paralyzed including parts of his lip, tongue and chin. This accident is responsible for his now legendary look and slightly slurred speech.
His mother originally named him Tyrone Stallone, as she adored actor Tyrone Power. But his father changed it to Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone on his birth certificate
Stallone began his on-screen career with the soft porn flick 'The Party at Kitty and Stud's' for which he was paid $200. He later argued that he was starving and the film was his last resort. The film was later released to a much wider audience with the title - 'The Italian Stallion' - after the release of 'Rocky'
He worked in many movies from 1970 to 76. He wrote the script for 'Rocky', inspired by a fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner, in 3 days. The script was later sold on one condition i.e. Stallone will play the lead role.
'Rocky' became a smash hit , apart from commercial success the movie also garnered ten Oscar nominations , out of which it won three; Best Picture, Best Director and Best film Editing.
He then directed 'Rocky 2' and 'Rocky3' before starring in 'First Blood' as another immortal character 'Rambo'. Both these movie franchises have together spawned 10 movies and with the exception of 'Rocky V' all other films have been hits.
He has also directed 'Rocky II', 'Rocky III', 'Rocky IV' and 'Rocky Balboa' and also the final sequel in Rambo series titled simply 'Rambo' in 2008.
In 2010, he brought to screens 'The Expendables' which was a blockbuster. He wrote, directed and starred in the movie alongside Jason Statham, Jet Li, Mickey Rourke, Terry Crews and Stone Cold Steve Austin. 'Expendables 2' will be released on August 24
Stallone was offered 'Die Hard' and 'Pulp Fiction'. The roles eventually went to Bruce Willis. He also refused to play 'Superman', which was eventually played by Christopher Reeve
He is close friends with Arnold Schwarzenegger and Bruce Willis, who were considered his biggest rivals. In fact, he actually promoted the 'Planet Hollywood'' chain of restaurants alongside Bruce and Arnie who were fellow share holders. The actors also made brief appearances in 'The Expendables' and are due for return in the sequel.
He has married thrice and has five children .Two sons from his first marriage and three daughters from his third.
Unfortunately Sly has never won an Oscar but he has ten Razzies to his name. He has four worst actor of the year awards, a worse actor of decade award, a worst actor of the century award, worst screenplay of the year, worst director of the year, worst couple of the year and worst supporting actor awards
He once said, 'Once in one's life, for one mortal moment, one must make a grab for immortality; if not, one has not lived.' He is now immortal in many minds as Rambo and Rocky. Statues of Rocky stand outside the Philadelphia Museum of Art and also in the Serbian village of Zitiste, where Rocky is considered a symbol of positive thinking and excellence.
Sly loves to paint and considers Leonardo Da Vinci as an inspiration and a personal hero. He has done a Hindi film 'Kambakht Ishq' alongside Akshay Kumar and Kareena Kapoor. He was also inducted in the Boxing Hall of Fame in 2010.
Source: India Syndicate
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