Sylvester Stallone turns 80: his difficult childhood, fierce rivalry with Arnold Schwarzenegger, and fight for legacy

Sylvester Stallone, a titan of action cinema, marks his 80th birthday amidst preparations for new ventures, including a fresh season of "Tulsa King" and his upcoming memoirs. The actor, celebrated globally for embodying characters like Rocky Balboa and Rambo, continues to be an active presence in Hollywood.

Stallone's journey to stardom was far from easy. Born in New York to immigrant parents, his childhood was fraught with difficulty, including alleged mistreatment and complications during his birth that resulted in partial facial paralysis. He recounted in a podcast interview that his mother once told him, "The only reason you are alive is because the coat hanger didn't work," a stark reminder of a difficult past.

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Despite being nine months pregnant, she was still traveling on the bus, so one day she was in labor. Someone was clever enough to get her off the bus and take her to a medical center. And that's where I was brought into the world, with an accident that paralyzed all the nerves in my mouth. That's why I was born with this growl.

Despite a challenging upbringing, Stallone carved out a remarkable career, demonstrating an ability to evolve beyond his most famous roles. He not only revisited the "Rocky" and "Rambo" franchises but also starred in hits like "Cobra" and "Demolition Man." He explored more dramatic territory in "Cop Land" and later brought together action stars for "The Expendables" series. His return as Rocky in "Creed" earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor, nearly four decades after the original "Rocky" film's release.

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The only reason you are alive is because the coat hanger didn't work.