Jackie Stallone was a woman who truly lived outside of the box, painting life with the colors of the unconventional. Born Jacqueline Frances Labofish on November 29, 1921, in Washington, D.C., she carved a name for herself in a world where being outlandish was the exception, not the rule. As the mother of actor Sylvester Stallone, she was initially in the public eye for her link to one of Hollywood's biggest stars. However, Jackie was much more than just a celebrity mom.
Her life was a kaleidoscope of eclectic pursuits: from her roles as a dancer and a promoter of women's wrestling to her fascination with astrology and creation of 'rumpology' - a unique, albeit quirky, form of divination involving one's posterior. Jackie embraced her eccentricities rather than conceal them, becoming a personality that was simultaneously bewildering and captivating.
Jackie began her career in the entertainment world as a trapese artist in the circus and as a Broadway chorus girl. This was before she leapt into the dynamic world of television, where she became America's first woman to have a daily fitness TV show in Washington D.C. At a time when such roles were scarce for women, she fought stereotypes and helped change the landscape of women’s fitness.
In the 1980s, Jackie dipped her toes into the wild world of professional wrestling. She was part of the TV show "GLOW: Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling", which combined athleticism and comedy in a spectacle of female empowerment that resonated with countless viewers. Her involvement as a manager and promoter for women wrestlers broke traditional norms and showcased her support for women taking the spotlight in male-dominated fields.
As an astrologer, Jackie took an uncharted path, founding her own astrology hotline and writing books on the subject. She gained notoriety for her controversial takes on astrology and made headlines with daring and sometimes bizarre predictions. Her love for the mystical arts even led her to create ‘rumpology’. While not scientifically recognized, Jackie claimed that the science of reading derrières dated back to ancient times and could reveal character traits and predict the future.
Jackie's life might be characterized by its unorthodox choices, but it also serves as a testament to living authentically. She personified an era where women were slowly emerging from the shadows of rigid societal expectations. Jackie’s audacity wasn’t dictated by popular opinion, but rather by her own convictions and whims, making her a counter-cultural icon.
On the flip side, Jackie endured criticism and mockery for her eccentricities. Many couldn't wrap their heads around her experiments in astrology and rumpology. In an era that often finds itself warring between respect for scientific knowledge and fascination with the mystical, Jackie represented a figure caught between these worlds, challenging norms and provoking mixed responses from both followers and skeptics.
As a politically liberal writer, it is tempting to see Jackie as a symbol of breaking barriers and embracing freedom – two principles often promoted in progressive circles. But even those who might lean conservative might appreciate her story as an illustration of resilience and individuality.
Jackie Stallone’s influence even extended into the fashion realm. Known for her bold makeup and unique style, she embodied the 'quirky' aesthetic long before it became a trend. Her colorful appearance and enthusiasm for life left imprints on a generation that seeks self-expression.
Throughout her life, Jackie was refreshingly unapologetic and fearless. She stayed true to her desires and passions, often clashing with the norms yet thriving because of her resistance to them. Her vibrant, multifaceted legacy provides an inspirational script for anyone yearning to live boldly.
Jackie passed away peacefully in her sleep on September 21, 2020, at the age of 98. Her passing was a moment to reflect on a life that was fearless, eccentric, and endearing. Even in the end, Jackie Stallone's embrace of life's peculiarities makes her story not only unforgettable but also empowering for us to consider in our own lives.