Hollywood star Sylvester Stallone has deep roots in Gioia del Colle, in the region of Puglia, southern Italy. In 2023, he and his brother Frank received the honorary citizenship from the paternal grandfather's hometown, Silvestro Stallone, who worked as a barber before emigrating to the United States in 1923.
During the ceremony, the actor moved the audience by holding up the original key to his grandfather's old hall.
“100 years ago, my grandfather left this town and this was the key to his barber shop,” he said. “He had the courage to make this journey and because of that, I am here today with my family.”
Italian roots
Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone was born in 6 July 1946, in the New York neighborhood of Hell's Kitchen. He is the son of Frank Stallone Sr. (1919–2011), Italian immigrant from Gioia del Colle, and from Jacqueline “Jackie” Labofish (1921–2020), American of French, Ukrainian, and Ashkenazi Jewish descent.
Your paternal grandparents, Silvestro Stallone (1883-1963) e Pulcheria Nicastri (1890–1973), married in 1909 and emigrated with their children to the United States aboard the ship SS Dante AlighieriIn 1923.
Connection with Italy
Stallone's relationship with his origins goes beyond symbolism. In 2023, he returned to Gioia del Colle alongside his wife, Jennifer Flavin, and the daughters Sophia, Sistine e Scarlet.
During the visit, he shared family memories and highlighted the importance of keeping cultural heritage alive.
The Loss of Sage Stallone
On 13 July 2012, Stallone faced a family tragedy. His son Sage stallone, the fruit of his first marriage to Sasha Czack, was found dead in his apartment in Los Angeles. The autopsy concluded that the cause of death was cardiac arrest, resulting from a congenital disease.
Sage, who had 36 years, became known for acting alongside his father in films such as Rocky V e Daylight. At the time, the actor asked for respect in the face of speculation about an overdose. The loss deeply affected Stallone, who began to frequently mention the value of family and the brevity of life.
Before it gives fame
Before becoming one of the biggest names in American cinema, Stallone had a difficult career. He worked as a lion cage cleaner at the zoo Central Park, in New York, and also sold tickets at the theater.
In interviews, he often says:
“My life is 96% failures and 4% achievements. Making Rocky was the greatest success, one of the few things that really did me good.”
Pride of origins
The Italian-American identity is present in much of his work. Before becoming the star of 'Rocky', 'Rambo' and 'Cobra', Sylvester Stallone acted in the production 'The Italian Stallion' (The Party at Kitty and Stud's, in the original title).
Stallone also incorporates elements of Italian culture into scripts, gestures and speeches, reflecting his pride in his origins.
family legacy
Stallone is the father of five children: Legend (1976-2012) e Seargeoh, from his marriage to Sasha Czack, and Sophia, Sistine e Scarlet, from his marriage to Jennifer Flavin.
He often highlights the values inherited from his Italian ancestors, such as discipline, unity and resilience, as the basis of its trajectory.
Summary family tree
GRANDPARENTS
Silvestro Stallone
• Born on November 10, 1883, in Gioia del Colle, Puglia, Italy
• Profession: barber
• Emigrated to the United States in 1923
• Died in 1963
Pulcheria Nicastri
• Born on February 21, 1890, also in Gioia del Colle
• Married Silvestro Stallone in 1909
• Died in 1973
COUNTRIES
Frank Stallone Sr.
• Born in 1919, in Gioia del Colle, Italy
• He emigrated with his parents to the United States when he was still a child
• Businessperson
• Died in 2011
Jacqueline Labofish
• Born in 1921, in the United States
• Profession: astrologer and dancer
• French, Ukrainian and Ashkenazi Jewish ancestry
• Died in 2020
SYLVESTER STALLONE
Sylvester Stallone Gardenzio
• Born on July 6, 1946, in New York, USA
• Actor, screenwriter, director and producer
• Famous for roles such as Rocky Balboa e John Rambo
• He was married to Sasha Czack (1974 – 1985), Brigitte Nielsen (1985–1987) and is with Jennifer Flavin since 1997
CHILDREN
With Sasha Czack:
• Sage stallone (1976–2012) – actor and director
• Seargeoh Stallone – actor, diagnosed with autism in childhood
With Jennifer Flavin:
• Sophia Stallone
• Sistine Stallone
• Scarlett Stallone
This article is part of the series “Made in Italy: World Stars”, in Italianism, celebrating international personalities with Italian roots.
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