Sylvester Stallone was in good company as he unveiled the latest addition to his hugely popular Rocky franchise on Sunday.
The Hollywood star was joined by legendary actor Chevy Chase while opening a Rocky memorabilia shop in Philadelphia, where the punch-drunk fictional boxer’s film series is based.
Chase, who spent five weeks in hospital with a heart condition in 2021, arrived in a wheelchair before getting to his feet for a photo with Stallone, 77.
The 80-year old appeared to be in good spirits as the two screen veterans greeted fans in the Pennsylvania capital after it officially declared December 3 ‘Rocky Day.’
On a wet and windy day in Philadelphia, Chase stayed warm in a quilted jacket during what appeared to be an unexpected appearance at the new store’s grand opening.
Chevy Chase was seen in a wheelchair as he supported close friend Sylvester Stallone at the launch of a Rocky memorabilia shop in Philadelphia on Sunday
Chase, who spent five weeks in hospital with a heart condition in 2021, eventually got to his feet for a photo with Stallone
The Rocky Shop is situated close to the Philadelphia Museum of Art – famously used by Stallone during Rocky’s 1976 training montage, which climaxes with the boxer racing up its stone steps.
Addressing those who had gathered in the rain for a glimpse of Stallone, he said: ‘I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and Rocky’s, too, because we’re very close, to all of you, who believe it or not are the real-life Rocky’s, because you live your life on your own terms, you try to do the best you can, and you keep punching.’
Chase, who shares a close friendship with the star, was seen waving to guests before encouraging them to shout ‘Two for one! Rocky and Clark Griswold’ – a reference to one of Chase’s lines in National Lampoons Vacation.
‘You get to the top, you feel inspired, you feel special, hopeful, happy, and most of all, proud of yourself,’ Stallone, 77, said, before adding that people become a ‘champion of their dreams’ by reaching the top of the stairs.
‘Life is a fight,’ Stallone declared while addressing the large crowd gathered, according to WHYY News in Philadelphia.’It’s a tough fight and get ready. You’re going to win some and you’re gonna lose a lot.’
The actor then embraced the film’s underdog and rags to riches themes by adding, ‘But the real victory is in never giving up and going the distance for yourself, your loved ones, and standing at the top of these steps you’re reminded that all things are possible. Keep punching.’
The Rocky Shop is located inside the Parkway Visitor Center Outpost, next to the base of the so-called ‘Rocky Steps’ and near the famous Rocky Statue that was erected back in 2006.
Not only was Rocky Balboa’s unforeseen chance at the heavyweight championship against Apollo Creed a great version of the underdog story, so was the process of getting the film made.
The 80-year old appeared to be in good spirits as the two screen veterans greeted fans in the Pennsylvania capital after it officially declared December 3 ‘Rocky Day’
Stallone cut the ribbon as a shop dedicated to Rocky memorabilia opened its doors
The Hollywood legend was accompanied by wife Jennifer Flavin in Philadelphia on Sunday
Stallone was still a struggling actor and writer before the release of Rocky on December 3, 1976.
In a bold move during negotiations, Stallone played a bit of hardball with United Artists when he rejected a six figure deal, said to be $250,000, to sell the film rights and refused to allow it to be made without him in the lead role.
Ultimately, United Artists agreed to cast Stallone as Rocky Balboa, which proved to be a winning combination as Rocky, and its never give up message, became a huge hit en route to becoming the highest-grossing film of 1976, earning $225 million at the worldwide box office against a budget of just under $1 million.
Along with Stallone, the cast also includes Talia Shire, Burt Young, Carl Weathers and Burgess Meredith.
Rocky won three Academy Awards for Best Picture, Best Director (John G. Avildsen), and Best Film Editing.
The success of the original sparked five Rocky sequels, which were followed by three spin-offs with the Creed film series starring Michael B. Jordan as Apollo Creed’s son Adonis Creed.
The film, which is revered by many as one of the greatest films of all time, was also preserved in the Library of Congress’s National Film Registry as being ‘culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.’
