He was born into a family that didn't want him and even spent part of his life in a boarding house. Without enough money for a place to stay, he used his coat as a blanket and slept at bus stops. Now, he has risen to become a Hollywood star.
Losing a child is an indescribable tragedy, no matter the child’s age, whether they are an adult or not yet born.
Sylvester Stallone, the acclaimed Hollywood actor, has experienced this pain firsthand. In 2012, he suffered the devastating loss of his first son, Sage Stallone, a tragedy widely known among his fans.
What is perhaps less known is that weeks before Sage’s untimely passing, his mother, Sasha Czack—Stallone’s ex-wife—had strongly advised him against undergoing a major dental procedure.
Initially, speculation ran rampant about the cause of Sage’s sudden and shocking death. Some suspected suicide, while others pointed to drugs or alcohol. However, the truth, once revealed, turned out to be even more heart-wrenching than anyone could have anticipated.
A Challenging Life from Childhood to Adulthood
Losing a child is an unthinkable burden. Even before the tragedy of his son’s death at 36, Sylvester “Rocky Balboa” Stallone endured many struggles in his own life.
Stallone’s real-life story mirrors the perseverance of his famous Rocky Balboa character, the role that made him a beloved icon of Hollywood. From the moment he was born, life presented challenges. A complication during his birth caused nerve damage, leaving part of his chin and tongue paralyzed.
While this unique feature eventually contributed to his signature look and fame, it made his childhood difficult. Stallone endured relentless bullying due to his facial asymmetry. He has described feeling like a “Mr. Potato Head,” with misplaced facial features adding to his struggles. Home was no refuge; his mother was emotionally distant, and his father was abusive.
This tumultuous environment turned Stallone into a troubled child. By the age of 12, he had been expelled from 13 schools and had broken 11 bones, even attempting dangerous stunts like leaping off a roof with an umbrella.
Eventually, Stallone channeled his energy into bodybuilding and, later, acting. Success was not immediate; he faced years of hardship, including periods of homelessness. Stallone once recalled how a single coat helped him survive freezing winters in New York City during this difficult time.
His fortunes finally turned in 1976 when he starred in the first Rocky film, catapulting him to fame.
From Rags to Riches
Before his rise to stardom, Stallone married photographer and filmmaker Sasha Czack. Together, they had two sons: Sage, born in 1976, and Seargeoh, born in 1979.
The marriage ended in 1985, and later that same year, Stallone married actress and model Brigitte Nielsen. That union was also short-lived, ending in divorce after two years.
In 1997, Stallone found lasting happiness with model and entrepreneur Jennifer Flavin. Together, they have three daughters: Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet. As the saying goes, “third time’s a charm.”
A Heartbreaking Loss
Stallone’s life has seen its share of ups and downs, but the death of his firstborn son, Sage, marked his most profound low point.
Sage Stallone was passionate about film. He dabbled in acting, appearing alongside his father in Rocky V and Daylight, and he founded Grindhouse Releasing, a company focused on film preservation and restoration.
On July 13, 2012, Sage’s housekeeper discovered him unresponsive in his Los Angeles apartment. Rumors quickly began to circulate about the cause of his death. Some reports suggested Sage may have been deceased for several days before being found, though this was later disproved by evidence of a Facebook post he made just 17 hours earlier.
Other stories claimed that his apartment was filled with alcohol bottles, fueling speculation about substance abuse. However, Sage’s attorney and close friend, George Braunstein, refuted these claims, clarifying that Sage did not drink alcohol and the bottles in question contained cream soda. Braunstein described Sage as a talented, sensitive young man with no history of substance abuse or health issues.
Another theory—that Sage had taken his own life—was also debunked. Sage had been preparing to marry his longtime girlfriend, and no suicide note was found. Braunstein emphasized Sage’s creative energy and zest for life.
The coroner’s office delayed releasing an official cause of death pending further tests. Eventually, it was revealed that Sage died from a heart attack caused by atherosclerosis. Although traces of painkillers were found in his system, there was no evidence of an overdose.
A Parent’s Grief
In the wake of Sage’s death, Stallone pleaded for privacy and compassion, expressing the depth of his grief. He described Sage as his firstborn and the center of his world, urging people to remember him fondly and respect his memory.
“This devastating loss will stay with us forever,” Stallone said, adding that he hoped people would show understanding toward Sage’s mother, Sasha.
The Final Truth
It was later revealed that Sage had undergone dental surgery two weeks before his death, despite his mother’s warnings. Czack had advised against the procedure, citing risks she had heard about, but Sage went ahead with the extraction of five teeth. To manage the resulting pain, he took medication. Two weeks later, he passed away.
While the pain of losing Sage remains, Stallone has sought solace in his work and the support of his family. His second son, Seargeoh, lives a private life, and his daughters Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet are thriving, with pursuits in modeling, acting, and podcasting.
This story serves as a somber reminder of the fragility of life and the unyielding bond between parents and their children. It also underscores the importance of heeding instincts and valuing the time we have with loved ones.
