This seasoned Hollywood actor faced rejection both on screen and at home but emerged stronger, sharing the one thing that “saved” his life.

Raised in a home without warmth or support, he experienced emotional neglect from his parents. Despite this, he became one of Hollywood’s most accomplished figures. His family life was complex, with multiple marriages and blended relationships. He and his brother Frank Jr. were born to Jackie and Frank Sr., who divorced in 1957. His mother remarried and had a daughter, while his father remarried several times, adding more siblings.

Despite the fragmented family, the actor’s childhood was filled with hardship. He described growing up in a “bad household,” with both parents unhappy. He spent several years in a boarding house, feeling isolated. His mother’s harsh words revealed the depth of the neglect he endured, as she had been traumatized in an orphanage, which affected her ability to show affection.

This lack of emotional support extended to his school life, where he was expelled from 13 schools. He attended military schools for troubled youth and struggled with fitting in.

His adult life was equally difficult. Arriving in New York with little money, he slept in bus stations while pursuing acting. He feared being typecast as a “professional extra” due to his unconventional appearance. He underwent plastic surgery to address nerve damage and weight loss that affected his face. Despite these challenges, he persevered.

In those tough times, a single coat helped him survive the harsh winters, and he often credited it with “saving” his life. His determination to succeed pushed him forward, even as rejections mounted. His career eventually took off, and he is now celebrated for his role in the “Rocky” franchise.

However, the physical toll of his career was severe, with multiple surgeries. He faced criticism, including a Razzie award for Worst Actor of the Century, but he remained focused on his goal of doing something special.

Stallone’s personal life has been marked by three marriages. He first married Sasha Czack in 1974, with whom he had two sons. Tragically, he lost his eldest son, Sage, at 36. His second marriage was to actress Brigitte Nielsen, but it ended in divorce. His third and longest marriage, to Jennifer Flavin, has lasted since 1997, despite a brief separation in 2022. They have three daughters and have been together for 27 years.

Through hardship, rejection, and personal loss, Sylvester Stallone’s journey shows that determination can lead to extraordinary success.