Michael Sylvester Gardenzio Stallone (born July 6, 1946) is an American actor, screenwriter, and film director. He rose to international fame with his role as boxer Rocky Balboa in the film Rocky (1976), which he also wrote the screenplay for. The film won three Academy Awards, including Best Picture. He is also known for creating and starring as Vietnam veteran John Rambo in the Rambo series. Throughout his career, he has written or co-written most of the films he has starred in.