Sylvester Stallone has prompted a wave of concern among fans after being seen publicly using a walking cane for the very first time. The 79-year-old Hollywood legend relied on the sleek accessory during his grand entrance at the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., this past Saturday night.
A Stark Contrast to the Silver Screen Hero
The actor, celebrated as one of this year's Kennedy Center Honorees for his contributions to American culture, leaned on a smart black cane with a gold-toned handle. His careful stride presented a poignant contrast to the fearless, punch-throwing characters he immortalised in films like Rocky and Rambo.
Joined by his wife of over 25 years, Jennifer Flavin, 57, Stallone nevertheless cut a dapper figure in a classic tuxedo with satin lapels, sporting a patriotic lapel pin and his new Honors medallion. Flavin looked elegant in a white-and-black off-the-shoulder gown, offering supportive touches as they posed on the red carpet at the Kennedy Center Opera House.
Despite the visible aid, the star was in high spirits, flashing smiles and engaging warmly with fellow honorees throughout the evening. He remained upbeat during the weekend's events, including proudly accepting his medal at the U.S. Department of State reception.
The Physical Price of Action Stardom
Stallone's new reliance on a cane follows decades of punishing his body in pursuit of cinematic realism. The actor, who built his career playing seemingly indestructible fighters, has a long and well-documented history of injuries sustained from performing his own stunts.
His catalogue of on-set accidents is extensive:
- A torn pectoral muscle during Rocky II.
- A hairline fracture in his spine from later sequels.
- Hospitalisation after co-star Dolph Lundgren struck him in the heart during Rocky IV.
However, the most catastrophic injury occurred in 2010 on the set of The Expendables. Insisting on multiple takes of a violent takedown with WWE star Steve Austin, a brutal slam left Stallone with a fractured neck, two dislocated shoulders, and severe spinal damage. The incident required a metal plate to be inserted and has led to seven major back surgeries tied to that single scene. Stallone has admitted he has "never fully recovered."
On the family's reality show, his daughter Scarlet has spoken of witnessing his constant pain, while his wife Jennifer described each surgical procedure as "scary." The actor has since warned younger performers against following his extreme example.
Honours and Headlines
The Kennedy Center sighting comes shortly after Stallone generated headlines for a fervent political speech. At a recent event at Mar-a-Lago, he introduced former President Donald Trump, comparing him to American founding father George Washington and calling him a "mythical character." The remarks drew roaring applause from the audience.
Stallone was honoured alongside other luminaries including members of the rock band KISS—Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, and Peter Criss—as well as country singer George Strait, disco icon Gloria Gaynor, and actor Michael Crawford. The Kennedy Center Honors recognise a lifetime of contributions to American culture through the performing arts.
While the sight of the action hero with a cane marks a new chapter, it underscores the immense physical sacrifice behind his iconic screen persona—a legacy built as much on resilience as on reel.
