Sylvester Stallone has partial paralysis on the left side of his face due to a birth complication. This has given him his distinctive facial features and slurred speech.
When Sylvester Stallone was born, the use of forceps by the delivering doctors caused a nerve in his face to be severed, which led to the paralysis of the lower left side of his face, including parts of his lip, tongue, and chin. This condition is known as Bell’s palsy. The paralysis resulted in a snarling look and slightly slurred speech, which have become Stallone’s trademarks throughout his acting career.
Despite this physical challenge, Stallone pursued a career in acting, which was not easy. His unique look and speech pattern made it difficult for him to get cast in traditional roles. However, these same characteristics helped him create the iconic character of Rocky Balboa in the 1976 film “Rocky,” which he also wrote. The film was a huge success and went on to become a beloved franchise, with Stallone’s portrayal of the underdog boxer earning him widespread acclaim.
Stallone’s facial paralysis has also contributed to his portrayal of other characters, such as John Rambo in the “Rambo” film series. His distinctive appearance and voice have become part of his on-screen persona, making him one of the most recognizable actors in Hollywood. Despite the initial setback, Stallone turned what could have been a hindrance into a defining feature of his successful film career.