Born Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone in Hell’s Kitchen, NY on July 6, 1946, his first moments set the tone for a challenging life: an accident during his forceps delivery severed a nerve in his face, which resulted in his trademark slurred speech and drooping facial features. Stallone’s parents, Jacqueline Labofish – who would later achieve pseudo-celebrity in the 1980s as a wrestling promoter and astrologer – and Frank Stallone Sr. had a combative relationship, leading young Sly to spend several years in foster homes. He eventually returned to his family – which included younger brother Frank – in Maryland, but the marriage soon dissolved, leaving Stallone to relocate with his mother to her new husband’s hometown of Philadelphia, PA. His time there was marked by frequent expulsions from schools and bouts with loneliness and anger. By the time he landed in a schoo