Half a century ago, Sylvester Stallone made cinematic history by dashing up the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s iconic 72 stone steps, immortalizing the beloved boxing hero Rocky Balboa. The original Rocky film, released in 1976, catapulted Stallone to overnight stardom, garnering the prestigious Best Picture Oscar. Now, in celebration of this milestone, the legendary steps are once again graced by the presence of the iconic 8-foot bronze statue of Rocky, arms raised victoriously.
A major attraction for tourists, the statue draws in four million fans annually who eagerly emulate Rocky’s famous ascent of the museum steps. Stallone, reflecting on the significance of the steps and the statue’s placement at the summit, remarked, “You can’t borrow Superman’s cape or wield a Jedi laser sword, but the steps are tangible. They offer a piece of the Rocky legacy, allowing visitors to be part of the myth that endures.”
Commissioned by Stallone in 1982 for Rocky III, the original bronze statue was loaned to the city and initially placed at the base of the steps following negotiations. It now stands proudly inside the museum, at the heart of the exhibition “Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments,” where it will be showcased until August 2, finally recognized as a genuine work of art rather than merely a movie prop.
Simultaneously, a second cast of the statue, also owned by Stallone, has been relocated to the top of the steps, where the original will be permanently installed once the exhibition concludes. Emblazoned with the poignant message, “It’s not how hard you hit, it’s how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward – that’s how winning is done,” the statue encapsulates Stallone’s personal journey to fame.
Approaching his 80th birthday in July, Stallone’s tumultuous upbringing in New York’s Hell’s Kitchen fueled his determination to succeed. Despite facing numerous setbacks, including being expelled from multiple schools, Stallone’s foray into acting ultimately transformed his life. He persevered through humble beginnings, taking on menial jobs while pursuing his passion for acting and honing his writing skills.
The creation of Rocky, a script he penned in a mere three days, propelled Stallone to superstardom after rejecting lucrative offers to cast established actors in the lead role. Married to Jennifer Flavin and a father of five, Stallone’s decision to sell the script at a fraction of its value to portray Rocky himself marked a pivotal moment in his career. Reflecting on his journey from homelessness to success, Stallone remains grateful for the hardships that shaped his resilience.
Forgoing plans for another Rocky installment, Stallone’s legacy lives on through upcoming projects, including a biopic and a biography chronicling his extraordinary life. The enduring legacy of the Rocky statue, crafted by sculptor Auldwin Thomas Schomberg, symbolizes Stallone’s indomitable spirit and unwavering dedication to his craft. Dr. Paul Farber, curator of the “Rising Up” exhibition, proudly asserts the statue’s significance as a revered landmark drawing millions of pilgrims yearly to pay homage to the iconic symbol of resilience.
The Making of The Rocky Statue by A. Thomas Schomberg is available from www.rockystatue.com.