Sylvester “Sly” Stallone became an “overnight sensation” in 1976 when he wrote and starred in a little boxing picture called “Rocky.” The surprise hit earned 10 Oscar nominations, including two for Stallone (actor, screenplay), ultimately winning best picture.
Four “Rocky” sequels followed through 1990, with a fifth, “Rocky Balboa,” reviving the franchise in 2006. Stallone wrote, starred in and directed each follow-up (except for “Rocky V,” which was helmed by original “Rocky” director John Avildsen).
Another lucrative franchise for Stallone was the “Rambo” action-adventure series, in which the muscular actor played a Vietnam War veteran with mean combat skills. He co-wrote and starred in three installments from 1982 to 1988, returning for a fourth in 2008, which he directed as well.
Stallone, an international superstar from the late 1970s through the 1990s, also starred in a variety of action films over the period, including such hits as “Lock Up,” “Tango & Cash,” “Cliffhanger” (co-wrote), “The Specialist” and “Assassins.” He also tried his hand at comedy (“Rhinestone,” “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot!) to lesser success.
Other feature writing-directing credits include “Paradise Alley” and the “Saturday Night Fever” sequel “Staying Alive.”
The 2000s were less kind to Stallone as, aside from his franchise hits, he mostly floundered in a string of lesser-seen action and crime dramas.
The actor-filmmaker has been married three times and has five children.
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Year | Category | Work | |
---|---|---|---|
1976 | Best Actor | Rocky | Nomination |
1976 | Best Original Screenplay | Rocky | Nomination |
2015 | Best Supporting Actor | Creed | Nomination |
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