Nicknamed “Sly” and “The Italian Stallion,” Sylvester Stallone is the greatest Italian American action film star of all time. In addition to being a talented actor, he is also a phenomenal screenwriter and director. Stallone was born on July 6, 1946 in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan. His childhood was not easy. His parents argued constantly, and young Sylvester went into foster care with his brother, Frank, after their parents divorced in 1957. 

The Stallone brothers eventually moved back in with their mother in Philadelphia, but Sylvester’s emotional problems followed him. He struggled academically and was expelled from multiple schools. He found refuge in painting and writing poetry, yet his dream was to become a famous actor.