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’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 iphiladelphia.
Impressed by a fight, he wrote the script in three days
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 Rocky 3 in 1980 (the order was completed in 1982).
Movie lovers know very well that Rocky 3 is one of the film series about the professional boxer, trainer and entrepreneur Rocky Balboa, nicknamed “The Italian Stallion“. 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’s 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. Rocky 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!
Debate on the statue
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’s 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’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.
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’s support in the media and a wide public campaign. In 2006, the 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.
Steps to a dream
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 Rocky 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.
How did Rocky affect the city?
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’s downtown and there are many other attractions around.
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 The Philadelphia Inquirer journalists 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 Rocky Stories: Tales of Love, Hope and Happiness on America’s Most Famous Steps, 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.