Sylvester Stallone turns 80

Sylvester Stallone, the celebrated actor known for his tough-guy roles, marked his 80th birthday on July 6. Born in New York City, Stallone harbored dreams of a film career from his teenage years, actively engaging in sports. Despite pursuing a relevant education, he faced years of struggle in the film industry, taking on various jobs, including selling hamburgers and cleaning lion cages at the zoo, before finding his breakthrough.

Stallone's ascent to stardom began at age 30 with the release of "Rocky" in 1976. The film, which he penned himself, tells the story of an underdog boxer given a shot at the world heavyweight championship. "Rocky" not only brought Stallone worldwide recognition but also became a massive commercial success, grossing $225 million against a $1.1 million budget. The film garnered ten Oscar nominations, ultimately winning three awards: Best Picture, Best Director, and Best Film Editing.

Another landmark film in Stallone's career was "First Blood," released in 1982. This movie introduced the character of John Rambo, a former special forces soldier who becomes embroiled in a conflict with local authorities while searching for former comrades. "First Blood" was also a box office hit, earning over $125 million. Both "Rocky" and "Rambo" spawned multiple sequels, solidifying Stallone's status as an action movie icon.

Beyond these signature roles, Stallone has starred in numerous other action films, including "The Expendables," "Cobra," and "Assassins." In recent years, he has taken on a role in the crime drama series "Tulsa King," portraying an aging mob boss establishing a criminal network in a small Oklahoma town. Stallone has received numerous film awards throughout his career and was inducted into the International Boxing Hall of Fame in 2011 for his contributions to popularizing the sport.