Understanding What Happened to Sly Stallone's Health After Decades of Stunt Work

While false reports of his death circulate annually, what happened to Sly Stallone is a long and documented history of health challenges, including multiple back surgeries and a congenital nerve condition. The iconic action hero, now in his late 70s, has navigated a career of physically demanding roles while dealing with chronic pain and false rumors of serious illness.

Quick Summary

Sylvester Stallone is alive and well, contrary to persistent online death hoaxes. His known health issues stem from a congenital condition called Erb's Palsy and severe stunt injuries that required multiple back surgeries.

Key Points

• Enduring Health Challenges: Sylvester Stallone lives with Erb's Palsy, a congenital nerve condition that affects his facial and vocal muscles.

• Stunt Work Injuries: A severe back injury on the set of The Expendables led to at least seven surgeries and chronic pain for Stallone.

• Debunked Death Hoaxes: The actor has been the subject of numerous online death hoaxes, all of which have been proven false.

• Still Active and Working: Despite his health challenges, Stallone remains active in his career, appearing in the series Tulsa King and recently releasing a documentary.

• New Chapter in Florida: In 2024, Stallone and his family permanently relocated from California to Florida for a change in lifestyle.

• Fitness and Age: He emphasizes a balanced diet and consistent fitness routine, showcasing that wellness is possible at any age, even after significant physical strain.

The Lifelong Challenge of Erb's Palsy

For most of his life, Sylvester Stallone has lived with a condition that has shaped his voice and distinctive facial features. Caused by a forceps accident during his birth, the condition is known as Erb's Palsy. The incident resulted in nerve damage to one side of his face, causing partial paralysis in his lower face, a noticeable slur, and a signature snarl.

This congenital condition has been a part of Stallone's identity since childhood. He has spoken about how this physical difference fueled his ambition, driving him to pursue bodybuilding and acting to overcome the teasing he faced growing up. Rather than being a recent issue, this has been a defining, lifelong characteristic.

The Lingering Pain from Stunt Work

While his congenital condition is well-known, more recent health issues for Sylvester Stallone have stemmed from the physical demands of his action-packed career, particularly during the filming of The Expendables (2010). A fight scene with co-star "Stone Cold" Steve Austin left him with a fractured neck, a serious back injury, and dislocated shoulders.

The aftermath of the Expendables injury

• Chronic Pain: The stunt left Stallone with persistent and debilitating pain that he admits he has never fully recovered from.
• Multiple Surgeries: Following the incident, he has undergone at least seven back and neck operations to address the damage.
• A Family's Concern: His family has publicly expressed their worry and concern over each subsequent surgery, with his daughter Scarlet noting that her "whole childhood, he was in pain".
• A Warning to Others: Stallone has since cautioned other actors against performing their own stunts, based on his own painful experience.

Rumors vs. Reality: Debunking Health Scares

Over the years, Sylvester Stallone has been the subject of numerous online rumors, some of which have caused significant distress to his fans. It is crucial to distinguish between baseless hoaxes and his documented, verifiable health history.

Common online hoaxes involving Stallone

• Death Hoaxes: For years, fake reports of his death have circulated on social media, falsely claiming he died from various ailments, including prostate and skin cancer. These hoaxes often use doctored images to appear more credible. Stallone has repeatedly debunked these rumors, sometimes with humor, confirming he is "alive and well and happy and healthy".
• Identity Confusion: In June 2025, a death hoax trended on social media after reports of musician Sly Stone's passing were misread, causing a panic among Stallone's fanbase.
• False Medical Diagnoses: A December 2024 article falsely claimed he was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis in 2017 and had heart problems, though the evidence for these claims is unsubstantiated.

Comparison of Real vs. Fake Health Claims

Health Claim	Origin	Factual Basis	Status
Erb's Palsy	Forceps accident at birth.	Confirmed by Stallone and medical documentation.	True and Congenital
Spinal Injuries	Stunt work on The Expendables.	Confirmed by Stallone, his family, and medical procedures.	True and Chronic
Death Hoaxes	Social media pranks and viral misinformation.	None. Stallone is alive and active.	False
Cancer Diagnosis	Fabricated online rumors.	None. Part of a persistent death hoax.	False
Multiple Sclerosis	Unsubstantiated blog posts.	None. Stallone has not confirmed this diagnosis.	False

Still Kicking: Stallone's Recent Activity

Despite chronic pain and advanced age, Sylvester Stallone remains remarkably active. Rather than retiring, he has continued his career with projects like the Paramount+ series Tulsa King and starring in the reality show The Family Stallone. His recent activities include:

• Relocating to Florida: In 2024, Stallone made the permanent move from Hollywood to Florida with his wife, Jennifer Flavin.
• New Book: He is set to release a memoir titled The Steps in 2026, where he will reflect on his life and career struggles.
• Staying Fit: In social media posts, he emphasizes a consistent approach to fitness and a healthy diet, inspiring others to prioritize wellness at any age.
• Continuing to Act: He continues to be a central figure on the set of Tulsa King and has other film projects in the works, proving he is "still punching".

Conclusion

What happened to Sly Stallone is not a recent, dramatic decline in health, but rather a culmination of lifelong challenges and career-related injuries. From the congenital nerve damage that has defined his appearance to the chronic pain resulting from stunt work, Stallone has publicly battled health issues with a resilience that mirrors his famous characters. While persistent online hoaxes frequently attempt to spread false rumors, the reality is that the actor remains active in his late 70s, having moved to Florida and continuing to work on new projects. His story serves as a testament to perseverance, not just in his cinematic career, but in his enduring personal health journey.

The Real Story Behind Stallone's Health

Debunking Rumors vs. Confirming Facts

• Online Hoaxes: Spurious reports of his death or a severe medical diagnosis are widespread on social media but are unfounded.
• Physical Injuries: Chronic back and neck pain from on-set stunts, especially on The Expendables, led to multiple surgeries.
• Congenital Condition: Stallone has a lifelong condition called Erb's Palsy, which is responsible for his distinctive facial features and voice.
• Recent Lifestyle: He is still active in his career, starring in Tulsa King, and has adopted a Florida lifestyle.
• Public Persona: His public statements and social media presence confirm he is alive and continues to work, often addressing hoaxes directly.

Why Stallone's Health History Matters

• Inspiring Perseverance: Stallone's story of overcoming childhood bullying due to Erb's Palsy to become an action hero inspires many facing physical challenges.
• Raising Awareness: His very public surgical history draws attention to the long-term risks associated with physically demanding careers and the importance of stunt safety.
• Combating Misinformation: By addressing hoaxes, Stallone and his family help educate the public on the dangers of believing and spreading unverified online rumors.
• Aging Gracefully: He sets an example of maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle even in later years, demonstrating that age does not have to be a barrier to pursuing one's passions.
• Focusing on Achievements: Understanding his health journey provides a more complete picture of the man behind the legendary films and shows his true strength beyond the screen.

Why Death Hoaxes Persist

• Viral Algorithms: Social media algorithms prioritize shocking or controversial content, which can cause hoaxes to spread rapidly and widely.
• Clickbait Economy: Some websites and individuals profit by generating fake news and clickbait headlines about celebrity deaths to drive traffic and ad revenue.
• Fascination with Celebrities: The public's intense interest in celebrity lives and deaths can make them vulnerable to manipulation by false rumors.
• Lack of Verification: Many social media users share sensational news without taking the time to verify the facts, perpetuating the misinformation.
• Repetitive History: Hoaxes about celebrities, including Stallone, have recurred for years, leading to a cycle of denial and renewed rumors.

Comparing Life in Hollywood vs. Florida

Aspect	Hollywood Lifestyle	Florida Lifestyle	Significance
Environment	The center of the entertainment industry, but known for high-stress and crowded conditions.	Emphasized by Stallone for its "clean air" and more relaxed pace.	The move suggests a priority shift towards quality of life and reduced stress.
Home	Recently sold their expansive Hidden Hills estate for $17 million.	Purchased a spacious, waterfront compound in Palm Beach.	Stallone sought a more comfortable, livable home rather than a showpiece mansion.
Taxes	California has a high state income and capital gains tax rate.	Florida has no state income or capital gains tax.	A significant financial incentive for the move, common for high-net-worth individuals.
Family	Spent decades building a life and family roots in California.	The family, while initially mixed, embraced the change for a new adventure.	Indicates a family-centered decision and a desire for new experiences together.
Work	A career built entirely in the Hollywood system and location.	Commutes to work on projects like Tulsa King while living in Florida.	Demonstrates that location is no longer tied to career for him, offering greater freedom.

Conclusion of Health Insights

In summary, the narrative of what happened to Sly Stallone is one of physical endurance and resilience, not recent, sudden decline. The famous actor continues to defy expectations, managing the chronic pain from decades of stunt work and living with a congenital condition. While the internet periodically fuels unfounded rumors, Stallone’s real story is more complex and far more inspiring. He remains an active and influential figure, now based in Florida, showing that even with past injuries and health setbacks, it is possible to lead a fulfilling and productive life.

Learn More About Health and Misinformation

For more information on the long-term effects of physical injuries and how to spot online misinformation, consult authoritative medical and journalistic sources.

Final Thoughts on Resilience

Stallone's journey provides powerful lessons on persistence, managing chronic conditions, and the importance of verified information in an age of rampant fake news. His career continues, his family is settled in a new home, and the iconic star is thriving, still punching and climbing new steps in his life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Did Sylvester Stallone really die?

No, Sylvester Stallone did not die. He has been the target of several online death hoaxes, all of which have been debunked. He is alive and well.

Does Sylvester Stallone have a physical disability?

Yes, Sylvester Stallone has Erb's Palsy, a form of facial paralysis resulting from a forceps accident during his birth. The condition affects his mouth, tongue, and cheek, causing his distinctive slur.

What health problems has Stallone faced from acting?

The most significant health problems from his acting career are chronic neck and back injuries sustained during stunts, particularly on the set of The Expendables. He has undergone multiple surgeries to address this damage.

Where does Sylvester Stallone live now?

In 2024, Sylvester Stallone and his family moved from California to Palm Beach, Florida, where they now reside permanently.

What happened on the set of *The Expendables*?

During a stunt scene on The Expendables, Stallone suffered a severe neck fracture and back injury after being slammed by co-star Steve Austin. The incident caused long-term pain and required at least seven operations.

What are the latest updates on Stallone's career?

Stallone is starring in the Paramount+ series Tulsa King, which premiered its third season in September 2025. He is also reportedly working on new films and has written a memoir.

Why did people confuse Sylvester Stallone with Sly Stone?

In June 2025, musician Sly Stone passed away. The similarity of the names caused many social media users to mistakenly believe that Sylvester Stallone had died, leading to a viral hoax.

Has Stallone spoken publicly about his health issues?

Yes, Stallone has been open about his injuries and health. He discussed his spinal issues on his reality show The Family Stallone and reflected on the long-term impact of his stunt work in his Netflix documentary Sly.