Sylvester Stallone’s legendary character, Rocky Balboa, still resonates with audiences 47 years after his debut in 1976, and now fans can gather in celebration of the beloved fictional boxer on a dedicated day. Dec. 3 marked the inaugural “Rocky Day” in Philadelphia, with festivities led by Stallone.
In a speech to the thousands gathered at the base of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, where Rocky famously runs up the steps while training in the film, he said, “Life is a fight. It’s a tough fight and get ready. You’re going to win some, and you’re gonna lose a lot. But the real victory is in never giving up and going the distance for yourself and your loved ones, and standing at the top of these steps; you’re reminded that all things are possible.”
Stallone concluded with cheers from the crowd, “Keep punching!” In an interview with Fox News Digital, he explained why Rocky still connects with people almost five decades later. Stallone said, “There are certain conundrums, issues, problems, journeys, challenges that everybody from every country, every culture has to face. And they may be somewhat different, but they usually deal with the same kind of — I just want to achieve something, I want people to be proud of me, I want to raise a family, I want to support my daughter. It’s this kind of fear — or [thinking] I’m really nobody inside. People look at me, but, on the inside, I feel weak and shallow; that’s what the character was.”
Stallone continued, “He even said, ‘I’m going to lose; I know I’m not good enough,’ and people may feel that way, but at least they want to try. I think the biggest frustration on the planet is people not getting the opportunity to fail. Forget win, they may win, but at least give me a shot. And that’s the biggest frustration I think that universally binds this whole underdog situation. I could talk to a billionaire, and he thinks he’s an underdog. It’s just ingrained in the psyche of humans.”
The actor wrote and starred in “Rocky,” launching his film career and earning him Oscar nominations for Best Original Screenplay and Best Actor. The 77-year-old was reflective about his life and career at the ceremony, readily admitting to having “tons of regrets.” He said, “Usually it’s the kind of regrets that we all have, befriending people that didn’t like you as much, being involved with people you shouldn’t have been involved with, going left when you should have gone right, there are tons of regrets. Getting in fights, arguing with people that you should have been a little more gracious to, a little more compassionate with, [there are] tons of regrets.”
Still, it wasn’t all melancholy, as he added with a laugh, “Choosing some movies, big-time regrets!” “Rocky” not only has a dedicated day, Dec. 3, but a dedicated “Sly Stallone Shop” inside the Parkway Visitor Center Outpost between the base of the steps and the Rocky statue, where visitors regularly recreate Rocky’s run to the top.
Stallone’s wife, Jennifer Flavin, was on hand to celebrate with her husband, telling Fox News Digital, “I just love Philadelphia, I love the people here, they’re amazing.”