{"id":13256,"date":"2023-06-05T11:27:17","date_gmt":"2023-06-05T15:27:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/?p=13256"},"modified":"2023-06-05T11:27:21","modified_gmt":"2023-06-05T15:27:21","slug":"how-was-the-american-dream-embodied-in-a-statue","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-how-was-the-american-dream-embodied-in-a-statue","title":{"rendered":"How was the American dream embodied in a statue?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>In the USA, there are many statues dedicated to different athletes. Some of them honor such boxers as Deontay Wilder, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. In Philadelphia, there are even two statues to Joe Fraser. However, one of the most famous city and US statues to a boxer is dedicated to a person who didn&#8217;t even exist in real life. We are talking about the well-known statue of the movie character Rocky, which was invented and embodied by Hollywood actor and director Sylvester Stallone. Learn more at <a href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/\">iphiladelphia<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_74 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-custom ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<label for=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0d49434ee7a\" class=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-label\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/label><input type=\"checkbox\"  id=\"ez-toc-cssicon-toggle-item-6a0d49434ee7a\"  aria-label=\"Toggle\" \/><nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-how-was-the-american-dream-embodied-in-a-statue\/#Impressed_by_a_fight_he_wrote_the_script_in_three_days\" >Impressed by a fight, he wrote the script in three days<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-how-was-the-american-dream-embodied-in-a-statue\/#Debate_on_the_statue\" >Debate on the statue<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-how-was-the-american-dream-embodied-in-a-statue\/#Steps_to_a_dream\" >Steps to a dream<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/eternal-how-was-the-american-dream-embodied-in-a-statue\/#How_did_Rocky_affect_the_city\" >How did Rocky affect the city?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Impressed_by_a_fight_he_wrote_the_script_in_three_days\"><\/span>Impressed by a fight, he wrote the script in three days<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iphiladelphia.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2023\/03\/17134619\/img_64254f864ef3f.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The sculpture, which is a monumental personification of the legendary movie character Rocky, was placed in Philadelphia about forty years ago. American actor and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone ordered it from the sculptor Thomas Schomberg specifically for the movie <em>Rocky 3<\/em> in 1980 (the order was completed in 1982).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iphiladelphia.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2023\/03\/17134618\/img_64254f888a289.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Movie lovers know very well that Rocky 3 is one of the film series about the professional boxer, trainer and entrepreneur Rocky Balboa, nicknamed &#8220;<em>The Italian Stallion<\/em>&#8220;. The first film of the historical cycle was released in 1976. The legendary film character Rocky was not only created but also acted by the incomparable Sylvester Stallone. This actor, film director, screenwriter and film producer, who is now 76 years old, was born in New York and lived in Philadelphia for some time. His way to recognition as an actor was harsh, long and full of interesting, sad and poignant stories. However, in our article, we are going to focus on other aspects of his life. One day in 1975, Stallone watched a fight between the unknown Chuck Wepner and the famous Muhammad Ali on TV. Sylvester was so impressed by the match that he wrote the script for the upcoming movie Rocky in three days. After completing the work, Stallone offered his creation to various film studios. He wanted the dream movie to become real so much! By the way, Sylvester Stallone did boxing even before the film\u2019s release. In response to the initiative, one of the studios offered the newly minted screenwriter $315,000 on the condition that either Burt Reynolds or Paul Newman would play the role of Rocky. However, Stallone stubbornly insisted that it was his role. Both interested parties agreed that this would be the case, but his fee would be significantly reduced. In the end, the film studio and Stallone were in the money. He was to receive $20,000 per script plus 10% of the film profit. <em>Rocky<\/em> made $100 million at the box office! Therefore, the main actor and screenwriter pocketed more than 10 million! In addition, Rocky won three well-deserved Oscars!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iphiladelphia.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2023\/03\/17134616\/img_64254f8c196e7.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Debate_on_the_statue\"><\/span>Debate on the statue<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rocky Statue is well-deserved too. So, we return to the history of the statue and its most interesting facts. During filming and several months afterward, the sculpture was at the top of the steps to the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Rocky made his legendary run in the movie. Then Stallone donated this bronze statue to the city\u2019s ownership. However, after the release, some city officials thought the statue was a publicity stunt, while others questioned whether that statue fit the settings and whether it had any artistic value at all. The location of the statue gave rise to a whole debate. Some said that the sculpture should remain there because it was not easy to find a person who would do more for the city&#8217;s image than Stallone. Others added that the statue could entice into the museum even those who have not been interested in it, probably alluding to sports and movie fans. Others were wary that the bronze Rocky, which was supposed to be a film prop, would have a bad effect on the reputation of the Art Museum with its dubious artistic value.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1982, the statue was relocated near the Spectrum Stadium, the main sports venue of the city. In the 1990s, the statue was repeatedly returned to its original location for the filming of the next Rocky movies and after that to the stadium again. In 2005, during one of such frequent filming relocations, the statue was returned to its original location at the request of Stallone. That time it remained there for good owing to the support of fans, the enormous flow of their letters, Stalone\u2019s support in the media and a wide public campaign. In 2006, the&nbsp; Philadelphia Art Commission made an official decision on the location of the statue. According to it, the sculpture should be located on the right side near the famous Rocky Steps, as it perfectly fits into the architectural ensemble of the city. Stallone once noted at the ceremony that this statue is the embodiment of the American dream. He also said that it is dedicated not to him personally, but to each of the present because Rocky lives in everyone and every person in the city of Philadelphia, if they work hard, can reach the highest peaks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Steps_to_a_dream\"><\/span>Steps to a dream<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>As mentioned above, there are also steps next to the statue of Rocky that are named after the same character. 72 Rocky Steps lead to the central entrance of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The location debuted in the movie <em>Rocky<\/em> in 1976. Preparing for the important fight, the main character took a run through the streets of Philadelphia, which ended at the top of those stairs. Having climbed to the top, Rocky looked at the beautiful view of the city and raised his hands up, just like the winners of boxing matches do. This place is extremely popular among tourists owing to this scene. Thousands of people come to Philadelphia every year to re-enact it and take a photo in a triumphant pose with raised arms against the backdrop of the magnificent scenery. By the way, the steps starred in various episodes of the Rocky movies, but only that one took 13th place among more than a hundred incredible scenes of the entertainment industry. The Rocky Steps appeared in other well-known films and cartoons, as they became iconic and a symbol of reward for perseverance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iphiladelphia.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2023\/03\/17134615\/img_64254f8fd65bf.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"How_did_Rocky_affect_the_city\"><\/span>How did Rocky affect the city?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>The Rocky Statue as well as the Rocky Steps, is a strong tourist magnet and one of the main highlights of Philadelphia. A lot of tourists gather here to observe, admire, take pictures and recharge with memories and special energy. Though you should wait in line to take a picture with Rocky, the location offers a great view of the city&#8217;s downtown and there are many other attractions around.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image\"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.iphiladelphia.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/55\/2023\/03\/17134614\/img_64254f944a49e.png\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>In 1996, the Olympic flame was carried up the Rocky Steps before the start of the Olympic Games in Atlanta. Various races take place here too. In the early 2000s, the <em>The Philadelphia Inquirer <\/em>journalists<em> <\/em>interviewed people, who expressed a desire to reach the top of the steps, just at the spot. Their answers were used as a source for the book <em>Rocky Stories: Tales of Love, Hope and Happiness on America&#8217;s Most Famous Steps<\/em>, which won the Pulitzer Prize. In 2005, the stairs became a concert venue for Live-8. The US Independence Day celebrations are also traditionally held here. In 2017, the National Football League draft was held at the Rocky Steps for the first time. In 2018, a commemorative plaque was attached to the pedestal and, of course, Sylvester Stallone took part in its celebration too.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>In the USA, there are many statues dedicated to different athletes. Some of them honor such boxers as Deontay Wilder, Mike Tyson and Evander Holyfield. In Philadelphia, there are even two statues to Joe Fraser. However, one of the most famous city and US statues to a boxer is dedicated to a person who didn&#8217;t [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":322,"featured_media":12767,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[4818],"tags":[5404,5407,5408,5403,5410,5411,5409,5405,5412],"motype":[4825],"moformat":[83],"moimportance":[32],"class_list":{"0":"post-13256","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-cultural","8":"tag-debate-on-the-statue","9":"tag-during-filming-and-several-months-afterward","10":"tag-how-did-rocky-affect-the-city","11":"tag-how-was-the-american-dream-embodied-in-a-statue","12":"tag-sylvester-stallone-took-part-in-its-celebration-too","13":"tag-the-national-football-league-draft-was-held-at-the-rocky-steps-for-the-first-time","14":"tag-the-olympic-flame-was-carried-up-the-rocky-steps-before-the-start-of-the-olympic-games-in-atlanta-various-races-take-place-here-too","15":"tag-the-sculpture-was-at-the-top-of-the-steps-to-the-philadelphia-museum-of-art","16":"tag-there-are-many-statues-dedicated-to-different-athletes-some-of-them-honor-such-boxers-as-deontay-wilder","17":"motype-eternal","18":"moformat-longread-short","19":"moimportance-golovna-novyna"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13256","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/322"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=13256"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13256\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":13257,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/13256\/revisions\/13257"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12767"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=13256"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=13256"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=13256"},{"taxonomy":"motype","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/motype?post=13256"},{"taxonomy":"moformat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moformat?post=13256"},{"taxonomy":"moimportance","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/iphiladelphia.net\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/moimportance?post=13256"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}