To be betrayed by life itself is a fight only a few recover from. Sylvester Stallone not only stood back up from it, but also reached for a solace so high it turned into a reward.

The Rambo franchise star Sylvester Stallone has shed light on his days before Hollywood. The actor opened up about the hardships he faced as a child due to an injury sustained during his birth.

In a conversation with CBS Mornings, the actor explained the slight dip on his bottom lip. With his mother's fears of childbirth and the inexperience of intern attendees combined, the actor gained a lifelong wound.

"They went in with these clamps, and they severed this nerve," he explained, pointing to his left cheek. The injury gave Stallone a notoriously deep voice and a droop on the opposite side of his face, as per CBS Mornings.

Growing up, these marks of peculiarity became Stallone's weaknesses, in a sense. People would create a habit of picking on his drooping face time and again.

While Stallone's injury lasted his whole life, he made sure he was duly rewarded as well.

Sylvester Stallone reaches honoree status

On December 7, 2025, Sylvester Stallone received a lifetime award as one of the 48th class of Kennedy Center Honorees. Throughout his life, Stallone has been recognized for his roles as an actor, director, and writer.

While appearing in all five of the Rambo movies was already a feat, Stallone maintained close creative involvement as well. He holds credits in directing, screenwriting, and storywriting in each of the films.

Sylvester Stallone paved a path for those looking to rise from the rubble. With his experiences spanning not only the screens but also the dark sides of existence, Stallone has more than proved his mettle.

What do you think of Sylvester Stallone's life-altering injury? Let us know in the comments below.

Written by

Adiba Nizami

Edited by

Hriddhi Maitra