Meet Sylvester Stallone's forgotten first wife - who helped him type his Oscar-winning script

Sylvester met Sasha in New York City in the early days of his career, where he worked a number of part-time jobs including cleaning at a zoo while pursuing acting. Sasha, a talented photographer, actress and artist, often spent time in the art world alongside Andy Warhol, while Sylvester soon became a familiar face at Studio 54.

The couple married in December 1974, and as well as starting a family together, Sasha also played a pivotal part in Sylvester's Hollywood success.

In the early seventies, Sylvester asked Sasha to help him on a film script, which later became the 1976 classic Rocky. She was the lead still photographer and co-writer for the film, however, union rules at the time meant she didn't receive official credit.

While Sasha later largely stepped back from film work, she briefly returned to the screen in the 2006 short film Vic, in which she played the role of Lilly and worked as the film’s still photographer. 

Sylvester and Sasha welcomed two sons together — Sage, born in 1976, and Seargeoh, born in 1979. When their youngest son was three he was diagnosed with autism, and it was recommended for him to be institutionalized. However, they refused and devoted themselves to research and providing him with the best life they could.

Sylvester later said that the diagnosis changed Sasha's life in particular. "It really was the turning point in Sasha's life," he said. "Her dreams and aspirations have been rechanneled into dedicated research. [...] All of her priorities are geared toward finding a cure. There is no fun in the future that way."

The strain of parenting and Sylvester's demanding career meant the couple split in 1985. He married Brigitte Nielson later that same year, but their high profile marriage only lasted two years. 

Sasha married sound engineer Rick Ash in 1997, but they split a few years later.

Sylvester has since remarried again. He tied the knot with Jennifer Flavin in 1997 and they share three daughters together.

While Sylvester and Sasha's youngest son has stayed out of the public eye, their eldest son Sage was following in his footsteps from an early age, with acting roles in Rocky V, Promises Written in Water and The Agent.

Sadly, Sage was found dead at his home in Los Angeles in July 2012, at the age of 36. His cause of death was confirmed as heart disease, and his parents were understandably devastated. Sasha has not been pictured publicly since.

Sasha and Sylvester's story features heavily in the 2026 biopic I Play Rocky, which is set for release in November. Sasha is portrayed by actress AnnaSophia Robb, however, neither she nor Sylvester have had any involvement in the production.