Sylvester Stallone was born in New York City's Hell's Kitchen to Jackie Stallone, an astrologer, and Frank Stallone, a beautician and hairdresser. His birth was complicated by a forceps accident, which resulted in his distinctive droopy visage and slurred speech due to a severed nerve. Stallone spent his early years in foster homes due to his parents' marital issues and later moved to Philadelphia with his mother and her second husband.

Stallone attended the American College in Switzerland and later the University of Miami, where he studied drama. However, he left college before completing his degree to pursue an acting career in New York City. During this period, he faced significant struggles, working various jobs such as cleaning lion cages at the Central Park Zoo and ushering at a movie theater. He also appeared in small, uncredited roles in films like 'Bananas' and 'Klute'.

Stallone gained some recognition with his role in the teen gang film 'The Lords of Flatbush', which he shared lead billing in alongside Henry Winkler. This role marked one of his first significant steps in the film industry.

Inspired by the Muhammad Ali-Chuck Wepner fight, Stallone wrote the screenplay for 'Rocky', a film that would become a critical and commercial hit. Despite initial resistance from studios, Stallone insisted on starring in the film himself. 'Rocky' was released in 1976, earning ten Academy Award nominations and winning three, including Best Picture. This film catapulted Stallone to stardom and launched the iconic 'Rocky' franchise.

Stallone wrote, directed, and starred in 'Rocky II', the sequel to the original film. This sequel was also a major success, grossing over $200 million and solidifying the 'Rocky' franchise as a cultural phenomenon.

Stallone starred as Vietnam veteran John Rambo in the action film 'First Blood', an adaptation of David Morell's novel. The film was a critical and box-office success, launching the 'Rambo' franchise and further cementing Stallone's status as a leading action hero.

Stallone received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1984, a testament to his significant contributions to the film industry. During this period, he continued to star in high-profile films such as 'Cobra', 'Tango and Cash', and 'Cliffhanger', making him one of Hollywood's highest-paid actors.

After a hiatus from the 'Rocky' franchise, Stallone wrote, directed, and starred in 'Rocky Balboa', the sixth installment in the series. This film marked a return to the character that had defined much of his career and was well-received by both critics and audiences.

Stallone reprised his role as Rocky Balboa in 'Creed', a spin-off of the 'Rocky' franchise that follows the son of Apollo Creed. The film, directed by Ryan Coogler, was a critical and commercial success and marked a new generation's introduction to the 'Rocky' universe.

Stallone continues to be active in the film industry, with recent involvement in the 'Creed' series and other projects. His legacy as a writer, actor, and director remains significant, with the 'Rocky' and 'Rambo' franchises enduring as cultural icons.