Losing a child is the worst thing in the world, regardless of the child’s age—whether they are an adult or not yet born.

Since it’s well known that the renowned Hollywood actor lost his first child, Sage Stallone, in 2012, Sylvester Stallone can witness to this firsthand.

Perhaps less widely known is the fact that, only weeks before he passed away, Sage’s mother, Sasha Czack, Stallone’s ex-wife, had urged that Sage forego having a significant dental operation.

There were many ideas before the official cause of Sage’s abrupt and unexpected death was revealed; others thought it might have been suicide, drugs, or alcohol. But in the end, the reality would be more devastating than anyone could have predicted.

Difficult Childhood, Difficult Adulthood

Being in the situation of losing a child is unimaginable. However, even before his son passed away at the age of 36, Sylvester “Rocky Balboa” Stallone had to deal with a difficult situation.

In many respects, Stallone’s real life was very similar to the iconic Rocky Balboa role that made him one of the most well-liked actors in Hollywood.

Sylvester was rough from birth before he had to learn to be harsh. He faced life head-on, and it wasn’t an easy task. One of his facial nerves was cut due to an issue during delivery, paralyzing a portion of his chin and tongue.

One could argue that Stallone’s signature snarl, which is the result of this same tragedy and its aftermath, helped make him a popular public figure. However, as a child, the effect was far from favorable.

since of his deformities, Stallone was severely tormented, and he has said that he feels like “Mr. Potato Head” since pieces of his face are positioned incorrectly. Even worse, Stallone had no safe haven to return to because his mother was frigid and only “kissing him twice” during his entire upbringing, and his father was violent.

It should come as no surprise that this made Stallone a fairly troubled child. He got himself into trouble all the time. He had already broken eleven bones and been expelled from thirteen schools by the time he was twelve, among other things for jumping off a roof while holding an umbrella.

Eventually, Stallone’s journey took him to bodybuilding and ultimately to acting. Years passed during which Stallone barely made it before he achieved his amazing popularity. He has talked of sleeping at Manhattan’s Port Authority when homeless.

He withstood the severe New York winters in those hard times wearing only one coat. In an interview, he reflected on its significance and said, “That coat saved my life.”

After he was cast in the first Rocky series in 1976, things drastically improved.

From Poverty to Wealth

Photographer and filmmaker Sasha Czack was Stallone’s first wife, whom he married shortly before he became famous and wealthy. Sage, born in 1976, and Seargeoh, born in 1979, were their two sons together.

After Sylvester and Czack parted ways in 1985, he wed actress and model Brigitte Nielsen later that year. Unfortunately, that romance would not last either, and two years later they got divorced.

In 1997, Stallone married model and businesswoman Jennifer Flavin, with whom he is currently married and has three daughters: Sophia, Sistine, and Scarlet Stallone. As they say, “the third time’s a charm.”

An Unexpected Demise

As a result, one could conclude that Stallone’s life was filled with highs and lows. However, the loss of his firstborn son, Sage, was undoubtedly the lowest point of his life.