Legendary Sylvester Stallone Walks With a Cane at Kennedy Center Honors Amid Long-Term Injuries

Sylvester Stallone was photographed carrying a cane while attending the 2025 Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., a quiet testament to the decades of brave, punishing roles that turned him into a Hollywood legend.

Stallone Makes a Warm & Poised Red Carpet Appearance With Wife Jennifer

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The “Rocky” icon, 79, walked the red carpet on Sunday, December 7, alongside his wife, Jennifer Flavin Stallone.

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He leaned on the walking aid as he posed for photos with Jennifer, 57, and greeted guests with the same warmth and presence that have defined his public life. See more photos:

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His appearance comes after Stallone reflected on the lasting toll of performing the high-impact stunts that helped make him an action legend, acknowledging the physical cost of the bravery and intensity he brought to the screen for more than forty years.

Stallone Said He ‘Never Recovered’ From Major Action Film Injuries

During a 2024 episode of his reality series “The Family Stallone,” Stallone revealed that he still feels the effects of injuries he sustained while making several action films. “I did stupid stuff,” he said in the February episode, as reported by The Hollywood Reporter.

“I was directing Expendables and, like an idiot, I’m doing take 10, take whatever, and I remember one slam, and I could actually feel one bang… I never recovered from [Expendables]. After that film, it was never physically the same.”

He also advised others to avoid taking similar risks. “Don’t do your own stunts,” he warned.

The episode noted that surgeons inserted a metal plate in Stallone’s neck “to repair the damage.” He later underwent “spinal fusion surgery” to stabilize movement in his spine.

Jennifer Flavin Says Stallone’s Surgeries Have Been ‘Scary’ For Their Family

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Jennifer spoke candidly during the episode about the fear that comes with her husband’s medical procedures. She said Stallone often tries to downplay his injuries. “He doesn’t like people to know he’s had so many back surgeries,” she said, as reported by People.

“It’s very scary for our family every time Sly has to go through surgery, because you never know . . . no one knows. I hope this is the one to help him live a more comfortable life.”

Their daughter, Scarlet, also described how long her father has endured pain. “It’s really hard to see my father go through yet another painful operation,” she said.

“My whole childhood, he was in pain. He did everything he could to push through the pain and be present, but I couldn’t imagine every waking moment you are just hurting.”

Stallone Recently Reflected on His Friendship With the Late Icon Hulk Hogan

In July, Stallone reflected on his longtime friend Hulk Hogan, who died at 71 after suffering a heart attack. He shared memories from their first time working together on “Rocky III.” “I remember he was immense. He was probably about 315 pounds, but very smart,” Stallone told TMZ.

“He had this deep, calming voice, and he was willing to do anything that would make this show better.”

Stallone also recalled how skilled Hogan was at keeping him safe during intense stunt work.

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“The thing was, we started to roll around, and he would literally pick me up and drop me to the ground, and I thought, ‘I’m going to be literally pulp by the time I land.’ He would always break the fall. He would do things you wouldn’t see, like a magician. And I’ll say, I’ve had a lot of punches thrown at me. No one was more accurate and precise than him.”

Stallone’s appearance at the Kennedy Center Honors underscored both his resilience and his commitment to showing up for significant cultural moments, even as he continues to navigate the long-term impact of a career built on punishing action roles.

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