Sage Stallone, Sylvester Stallone’s son, had a promising career ahead of him, but he dreaded living under his father’s shadows.
At his death, many questions were left unanswered.
His father has a new Netflix documentary where he made a rare comment about their relationship.
Sage Moonblood Stallone was born in Los Angeles on May 5, 1976. He was the first son of Stallone and actress Sasha Czack. Sage famously appeared alongside his father in the 1990 hit movie “Rocky V,” but their relationship was far from perfect.
Close sources revealed that the movie icon and his firstborn rarely saw eye to eye. Although Sage appreciated the life of comfort and luxury his father’s career earned him, he was unimpressed by Sylvester’s movie characters.
Sage Stallone attends the 1994 Kids Choice Awards at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, United States. | Source: Getty Images
Friends of the younger Stallone said Sylvester’s comments about his son’s appearance worsened their relationship.
The actor would often tease Sage about being too skinny as a child and out of shape as a grown-up. Stephen Wozniak, actor and longtime friend of the Stallones, once remarked about the father-son relationship. He said:
“The love-hate would go back and forth all the time.”
Jennifer Flavin Sylvester Stallone and his son Sage Stallone at a polo match in 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Stallone has a documentary on Netflix called “Sly” where he opened up about some of the onscreen moments he shared with his son and made a rare comment about their relationship.
Rekindling a Good Relationship
Sage was left irritated when his father chose the slimmer Milo Ventimiglia in “Rocky Balboa” to reprise the Rocky Jr. role that Sage had portrayed as a youngster in “Rocky V.”
Sylvester Stallone and Sage at the Sylvester Stallone’s Paintings Opening Night Exhibition and Cocktail Reception on September 10, 1990 at Hanson Galleries in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Close friends stated that Sage was eager to play the role, but being snubbed by his father was a huge disappointment.
For his part, Sylvester was far from impressed with his son’s neglect of his physical appearance.
The dueling father-son took their differences public in 1996 when the “Rocky” actor revealed that Sage hated visiting the gym and was interested in abstract art-house movies. The 77-year-old said Sage ensured he would never be compared to his dad.
Sylvester’s 1985 split from his ex-wife, Sasha, Sage’s mother, was another source of bitterness for the younger Stallone.
In addition, Sylvester’s affair with Brigitte Nielsen left Sage disappointed in the screen legend.
Actor Sylvester Stallone with his arm around his son, Sage Stallone, in scene from motion picture Rocky V.. | Source: Getty Images
The pair continued to work together in movies, and Sage once confessed that some of their roles were emotionally charged and involved less acting and more real-life expressions.
Sage said his scene in “Rocky V,” where his character yelled at Sylvester for being an absent father, was far from acting.
Instead, Sage said he released his bottled-up emotions, and they both wept. Afterward, their relationship changed, and they were ready to do anything for each other.
Stallone confessed that “Rocky V” was based on his personal life. He revealed that Rocky Jr.’s neglect in the film was “too personal.”
The actor went on to admit that some of the things he wished he had done differently in reality were often corrected theatrically.
Sage Stallone at the “Demolition Man” Westwood Premiere in Los Angeles in 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Therefore, when Rocky Jr. felt that Tommy was taking his place in his father’s life, Stallone realized some parts of his life that he could have prioritized more. He confessed, “A lot of that is true.
Unfortunately, you put things before your family. And the repercussions are quite radical and devastating.”
Sage’s attorney, Braunstein, was also asked how Sage felt about his father, and George said the late 36-year-old loved his father and was proud of him.
Actor Sylvester Stallone and his son actor Sage Stallone on set of the MGM/UA movie “Rocky V” in 1990. | Source: Getty Images
Sage’s Untimely Death
In 2012, 36-year-old Sage was found lifeless in his home in the 8100 block of Mulholland Terrace in Studio City. His lawyer disclosed that his housekeeper had discovered his dead body.
At the time, there were no known causes of his death, and his attorney, George, said he showed no signs of depression or mental struggle.
Sage was said to have made new plans for his life, including getting married. George said, “He had his whole life ahead of him.”
However, Sage’s close friends revealed that he struggled with prescription medicine for most of his adult life and seemed addicted to Vicodin and Xanax, which he took for anxiety and other issues.
Sylvester Stallone, Sage Stallone, and Jackie Stallone at the “True Lies” Westwood Premiere on July 12, 1994. | Source: Getty Images
Sylvester was devastated to learn of his son’s death. The actor asked for privacy for his family and requested an end to the constant media probe into his family. He spoke to TMZ about his heartbreaking grief. The Hollywood legend said:
“When a parent loses a child, there is no greater pain.”
Sage Stallone photographed in Los Angeles in 1988 | Source: Getty Images
Sylvester described his late son as talented, adding that the family would forever miss him. Sage was laid to rest several days after his death.
A funeral was held at St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Los Angeles.
Sage Died of a Heart Attack
Sage’s death raised a lot of questions about his life and health. There were several rumors about the possible cause of his death.
Some rumors insisted that the former teen actor died due to his addiction, but his family dismissed such claims.
Sage Stallone attend the world premiere of “Rocky Balboa” on December 13, 2006. | Source: Getty Images
Law enforcement agents said Sage’s house was in a mess when his housekeeper discovered him. His mother asked her to visit his apartment after no one had heard from him in days.
The housekeeper had been to the house earlier that week but had been strictly instructed not to enter Sage’s room or knock on the door.
Authorities believed he might have been dead for three to four days or possibly for as long as a week.
Sage loved his privacy and enjoyed spending time alone. Close sources said he lived a life of luxury, but his apartment was nothing to write home about.
Sylvester Stallone at the “Rocky” Broadway opening night after party at Roseland Ballroom on March 13, 2014 in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Authorities described his room as disgusting, noting that it reeked of different smells. In addition, it was littered with junk and had burnt cigarettes, soda, and food scattered around.
His drawers had two bottles filled with pills. From all the evidence gathered, law enforcement agents disclosed that Sage’s death was an accident and not a deliberate act.
Days after his death, Sage’s grieving mother shared further insight into what might have claimed his life.
Sasha said her deceased son had five of his teeth pulled out at once despite her warnings. Sage’s lawyer, George, said that the “Daylight” actor drank a lot of soda and ate a lot of candy bars. This caused several of his teeth to rot.
Sylvester Stallone attends Premiere Of “One Night: Joshua Vs. Ruiz” at Writers Guild Theater on November 21, 2019 in Beverly Hills, California. | Source: Getty Images
Sasha tried to dissuade him from the procedure, citing that it was complicated and came with intense pain, but Sage proceeded and went to the dentist.
Unfortunately, the aftermath of the surgery left him in pain, which might have triggered a reliance on painkillers.
Authorities later revealed that Sage died of a heart attack and not an overdose, as was widely suspected. They found no trace of drugs in his blood. He was also said to have suffered from heart disease, which caused his attack.
A photo from Sage Stallone memorial at the St. Martin of Tours Catholic Church in Los Angeles in 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Years after his son’s death, Sylvester won the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for his role in “Creed.”
The actor was then asked if Sage’s death had impacted his career. Sylvester responded, saying he wanted to keep respecting Sage’s memory.
News
A Creative Journey: Lady Gaga’s Artistic Growth and Fearless Embrace of Individuality
The weirdness and craziness of star Lady Gaga’s outfits have been increasing every day. Even if she were dressed in rags and beggar clothes, no one would be surprised. Lady Gaga created her own unique, shocking fashion line that no…
Gaga’s Street Style: No Bras, Semi-Sheer Top, and Daring Daisy Dukes in NYC
Lady Gaga recently unveiled the much-anticipated track list for her latest album, Joanne, and she is certainly not shying away from the limelight. The singer was spotted in New York on Saturday confidently flaunting her unique fashion sense. Her daring…
VIDEO : Unexpected Flashback: Old Footage Resurfaces Showing Lady Gaga’s Unusual On-Stage Act with a Girl Vomiting on Her Chest
It’s come back up. A clip of a woman making herself vomit on Lady Gaga during her SXSW performance in 2014 has resurfaced online — and the bile hasn’t aged well. Gaga, 36, incorporated performance artist Millie Brown into her choreography…
My First Piano Teacher Was a Stripper’: Lady Gaga Reveals Dad Hired a Stripper as Her Music Teacher, Linking it to Her Signature Long Nails
Lady Gaga is one of the popular artists who’s known for image reinventions and musical versatility. She rose to fame with her debut studio album, The Fame in 2007 with its chart-topping singles Just Dance and Poker Face. She is not only…
20 Bizarre Photos Prove That Lady Gaga Is The Most Unhinged Fashion Icon Ever
One of the most iconic and multi-talented artists of our time, Lady Gaga, with worldwide hits such as Bad Romance, Judas, and Born This Way, is also known as a composer, an actress, and above all, a fashionista. Known as…
Lady Gaga Goes Makeup-Free for Oscars Performance, Letting People See the Real Her
Oscars executive producer reveals Lady Gaga decided to go makeup-free during her performance to show people the ‘real’ her. Featured Image Credit: ABC Yesterday (March 13), the musician stunned viewers with a performance of the Oscar-nominated song ‘Hold My Hand’…
End of content
No more pages to load