This boy was the son of a Hollywood icon. He followed in his father’s footsteps and became an actor and director, starting with his film debut at age 14 in 1990’s “Rocky V.”
From 1994 to 1995, he joined the University of North Carolina School of Fine Arts to study filmmaking. Years later, he directed the drama film “Vic” in 2006, which earned him the recognition of Best New Filmmaker at the Boston Film Festival. Sadly, his promising career was cut short when he died at 36 on July 13, 2012.
The boy and his father on the set of the MGM/UA movie “Rocky V” in 1990. | Source: Getty Images
The actor’s last film appearance was a role in the short film “The Agent” in 2010. Two years later, he was found dead in his home in Studio City, Los Angeles.
The boy and his father at the Sylvester Stallone’s Paintings Opening Night Exhibition and Cocktail Reception to Benefit Yes on Proposition 128 “Big Green” in Beverly Hills, California, on September 10, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
According to the boy’s lawyer, George Braunstein, a housekeeper found his body in the afternoon of the day he died. On the same day, the Los Angeles police were called to investigate the death at his home in Mulholland Terrace. Friends and colleagues of the boy were concerned as they hadn’t heard from him in the past day.
The boy and his father at the “Rocky V” premiere in West Hollywood, California, on November 13, 1990 | Source: Getty Images
Braunstein revealed that the boy was enthusiastic and optimistic about his life and had a girlfriend whom he was planning on getting married to in Las Vegas. He was full of life and looking forward to a whole future ahead of him before he died.
His father’s publicist, Michelle Bega, announced that the “Rambo” star was devastated by the sudden loss of his son. Baga described him as a “talented and wonderful young man” whose loss will be felt forever.
Still, some people speculated that the actor may have had a drug problem, leading to his death.
The boy, his father, and his brother at the Fifth Annual Fashion Show & Dinner Benefit Salute to Gianni Versace sponsored by the California Fashion Industry Friends of AIDS Project Los Angeles in Century City, California, on February 13, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
The actor also admired his dad but wanted to make his own name in the film industry. In 1996, the boy and his father starred together onscreen in “Daylight.” His film debut, “Rocky V,” also marked the time the actor and his dad appeared on the big screen playing father and son.
The boy at his father’s 45th birthday party in Beverly Hills, California, on July 8, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
The boy’s father confessed that he was hopeful that his son would be a “bigger and better” actor than him. As a dad, he instilled singlemindedness in his son so that the boy would work hard and succeed independently. The older actor never wanted his child to use their family name to get ahead in the Hollywood industry.
The boy and his mother at Spago’s Restaurant in Beverly Hills on December 1, 1983 | Source: Getty Images
After the boy passed away, there were many speculations about what caused his death, but people close to him, including Braunstein, dismissed the rumors. The boy’s father and mother also opened up about the agonizing loss of their son.
The boy at the “Daylight” premiere at the Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on December 5, 1996 | Source: Getty Images
The boy in this story is Sage Stallone, whose parents are Sylvester Stallone and Sasha Czack. Sylvester and Sasha were married from 1974 to 1985. The two shared Sage and his brother, Seargeoh Stallone, who is autistic. Sage was born on May 5, 1976, and his brother was born in 1979.
Sage Stallone at the Kids Choice Awards at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on April 20, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Sage’s death became a mystery as tabloids speculated that he may have been dead for several days before his body was found. However, Braunstein dismissed these rumors, noting that photos of the actor at home were posted to his Facebook page only 17 hours before he was found.
Sage Stallone at the Fifth Annual Fashion Show & Dinner Benefit Salute to Gianni Versace sponsored by the California Fashion Industry Friends of AIDS Project Los Angeles in Century City, California, on February 13, 1991 | Source: Getty Images
Sage also lived a low-key lifestyle and avoided partying, making his sudden death more mysterious. Still, some people speculated that the actor may have had a drug problem, leading to his death.
Ed Winter from the Los Angeles Coroner’s Office announced that they found some prescription bottles at the death scene. However, there was no suicide note or signs of foul play.
Sage Stallone at the “Demolition Man” premiere in Westwood, California on October 7, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
Braunstein, who knew Sage for 15 years, said the actor didn’t drink and never showed any signs of drug abuse or addiction. He only smoked cigarettes and took alcohol and candy. The lawyer also dismissed reports that Sage’s room was filled with liquor bottles, noting that those were empty bottles of Dr. Brown’s Cream Soda.
Sage Stallone in Los Angeles, California on September 1988 | Source: Getty Images
On August 30, 2012, all speculations about Sage’s death were put to rest when the police revealed the cause of his death. The Los Angeles Coroner’s Office declared that heart disease was the cause of the actor’s untimely death.
Sage Stallone at the “Daylight” Hollywood premiere in Hollywood, California on December 5, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
A full toxicology screen and an autopsy showed Sage tested negative for drugs except for a small level of hydrocodone, known as Vicodin. The actor died of atherosclerotic coronary artery disease.
Sage Stallone at the premiere of Renny Harlin’s “Cliffhanger” on May 26, 1993 | Source: Getty Images
A day before Sage’s death, his father was promoting his film, “Expendables 2.” When he learned the news of his son’s death, he rushed home. Braunstein said Sage was close to both his parents, looked up to them, and idolized his dad.
The only picture in the room where Sage died was the one he took with his father at age 14. Sage’s parents opened up about how traumatized they were by his loss.
Sage Stallone at Sylvester Stallone’s 45th Birthday Party in Beverly Hills, California, on July 8, 1991. | Source: Getty Images
Sylvester described the loss of his son as “very tough” and a “horrible situation.” Before the cause of Sage’s death was officially confirmed, the actor asked people to stop their speculations, respect Sage’s memory, and be considerate of his and Sasha’s pain. “Because when a parent loses a child, there is no greater pain,” he added.
Sylvester Stallone attending the memorial service for his son, Sage Stallone, in Los Angeles, California, on July 21, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
The actor also requested compassion for Sage’s loving mom because he and Sasha were going to feel the painful absence of their son for the rest of their lives. Sylvester described his late son as “creative, energetic, and full of life,” with no financial problems and nothing dark or depressing in him.
Sasha Czack attending the memorial service for her son, Sage Stallone, on July 21, 2012 | Source: Getty Images
Sasha also opened up about her son. She said the actor had dental surgery a few days before his death and was suffering from excruciating pain. Sage had five teeth pulled out and was probably taking powerful painkillers.
Sage Stallone at the Kids Choice Awards at Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California, on April 20, 1994 | Source: Getty Images
Sasha had heard that people were dying from having more than one tooth pulled out, so she advised her son not to have five taken out at the same time. Sage Stallone’s mother was worried that the procedure may have somehow led to his death, but official results later proved otherwise.
Sage Stallone at the “Daylight” Hollywood premiere at the Mann’s Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on December 5, 1996. | Source: Getty Images
Sylvester Stallone‘s only wish is that Sage’s memory and soul be left in peace, as he was the center of his dad and mom’s life. Good friends and family helped them deal with the loss of their son. The actor hoped time would heal their pain.
