Sylvester Stallone - "Rocky" now has its own public holiday
Special honor for Sylvester Stallone (77): His legendary film character Rocky Balboa now has his own day of remembrance. The first "Rocky Day" was celebrated on Sunday (December 3) in Philadelphia, the setting of the boxing films. Exactly 47 years earlier, on December 3, 1976, "Rocky" was released in American cinemas.
Naturally, Sylvester Stallone was on hand to mark the start of the new holiday. The native New Yorker returned to Philadelphia, where he grew up, with his wife Jennifer Flavin (55). The Hollywood star was presented with the key to the city. Stallone also cut the ribbon to open a Rocky store selling merchandising for the film series.
"Never give up": Stallone's emotional speech
According to media reports, Sylvester Stallone gave a speech next to the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The 72 steps were made world-famous by "Rocky" when the underdog boxer climbed them during training for his fight against champion Apollo Creed. Not only for Rocky, but also for his actor, the famous staircase scene changed his life, as Stallone now said: "When you reach the top, you feel inspired, you feel special, hopeful, happy and above all proud of yourself."
"Life is a struggle," Stallone continued in his speech. "You will win some and lose many," the actor said of life's battles. "But the real victory is never giving up and going to extremes for yourself and the ones you love. Never give up."
The story of Rocky Balboa also mirrors that of Sylvester Stallone. When he wrote the screenplay about the underclass boxer who unexpectedly gets the chance for a title fight, he was an unsuccessful actor. Stallone sold his script for less than it was worth, but with the option of playing the leading role himself.
"Rocky" became a surprise hit that won three Oscars. Stallone was nominated as the lead actor and screenwriter. This was followed by five sequels and, with"Creed", a successful spin-off series.
Read also:
- Sylvester Stallone's speech at the Philadelphia Museum of Art was filled with inspiration, as he reflected on the impact of Rocky Balboa climbbing the 72 famous steps, a scene that changed his life just like the character's journey.
- The first "Rocky Day" celebration took place in Philadelphia, the city where the original film was set, and where Sylvester Stallone, now a successful Hollywood star, returned alongside his wife Jennifer Flavin to celebrate the occasion.
- The new holiday, honoring Rocky Balboa, was significantly marked by Sylvester Stallone's emotional return to Philadelphia, exactly 47 years after the release of the first "Rocky" movie, which resonates with the actor's own life story.
- Rocky Balboa's story of a struggling underclass boxer who eventually gets a title fight mirrors Sylvester Stallone's own journey as an unsuccessful actor who sold his screenplay for a small fee, but with the chance to portray the lead character, ultimately leading to the film's success and subsequent sequels, including "Creed" in the spin-off series.
Source: www.stern.de
