Sylvester Stallone (born Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone on July 6, 1946) is a two-time Academy Award-nominated American actor, director, producer and screenwriter. Stallone has established himself as both a dramatic actor and one of the greatest action stars of all time. During the 80's, he was the biggest movie star in the world with the Rocky and Rambo franchises. Stallone's culturally influential films changed pop culture in the 80's and he has largely enjoyed a career on the Hollywood A list for over 30 years. His trademark sneer and slurred speech are the result of ptosis and partial paralysis in the left side of his face caused by birth complications. He is considered by many (including the mayor of Philadelphia) as the one who made the city of Philadelphia an international tourist attraction with the Rocky Steps. His incredible popularity there has led to a statue of his Rocky character being placed permanently near the Philadelphia Museum of Art as a cultural landmark. On August 2007, a statue of Rocky was also erected in the Serbian village of Zitiste.
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