The Life of Hollywood Action Hero Sylvester Stallone

Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone was born on July 6, 1946, in Manhattan, New York, and grew up connected to the tough energy of Hell’s Kitchen. His father, Frank Stallone Sr., was an Italian immigrant who worked as a hairdresser, while his mother, Jackie Stallone, later became known as an astrologer, performer, and colorful media personality.

From the start, Stallone’s background mixed working-class roots, show-business ambition, and a family life that was anything but ordinary. Yet the most defining part of his beginning came before he could even speak.