Was Rocky Balboa based on a true story?
Taking the plunge to chase greatness at his passion, Rocky Balboa has to prove to both himself and the world that he's a worthy contender to take on the famous and highly-regarded Creed. Interestingly, Rocky Balboa is actually based on a real-life person: Chuck Wepner.
Who was Rocky Balboa in real life?
Interestingly, Rocky Balboa is actually based on a real-life person: Chuck Wepner. Wepner was born in 1939, and first started fighting on the streets in Bayonne, New Jersey (an interest that would eventually earn him the nickname of “The Bayonne Bleeder,” since he bled a great deal during his fights). How does Rocky 5 end?
Is Rocky Balboa a true story?
The Rocky movies feature the titular, majorly beloved sports drama character, and the true story of boxer Chuck Wepner helped inspire Sylvester Stallone to create him - but who was he? The franchise debuted in 1976 with the simply named Rocky , and the world met the Philadelphia fighter with a signature heart of gold and undying tenacity.
Who is the girl in Rocky Balboa?
Rocky. Jodi Letizia (born October 8, 1963 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania) appeared in the role of Marie, a rebellious teen in the South Philly neighbourhood where Rocky Balboa lived who was a little sister of an acquaintance that he knew in the first movie Rocky and also in Rocky V. A funny and gifted actress and comedienne, at age 13, Jodi was introduced to film as the young, foul mouthed Marie in Rocky in 1976.
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Is Rocky Balboa based on a real person?
Like many fans of Sylvester Stallone's Oscar-nominated role as Rocky Balboa in 1976's Rocky, actor Liev Schreiber wasn't aware of a key film fact. The unknown boxer character who gets the chance of a lifetime to fight the world's heavyweight champion was inspired by an actual fighter named Chuck Wepner.May 2, 2017
Is Rocky Balboa still alive?
We're happy to tell you they're fake: The 71-year-old Rocky actor is, in fact, alive and “still punching.”Feb 20, 2018
What is Rocky Balboa's real name?
July 6, 1945) is a fictional athlete, portrayed by Sylvester Stallone who has appeared in the Rocky series from 1976 to 2006. He is famous for being extremely tenacious and 'fighting with his heart', as his trainer Mickey Goldmill famously intones.Jun 10, 2008
Why is Rocky Balboa poor?
Rocky V (1990) Oof, Rocky V. A misstep in the franchise, this entry sees Rocky lose all of his money due to poor investments and retire from boxing because of brain damage suffered at the hands of Drago in Rocky IV.Nov 18, 2015
What is Rocky Balboa's real name?
For other uses, see Rocky Balboa (disambiguation). Robert "Rocky" Balboa (also known by his ring name The Italian Stallion ), is non-fictional character from the biographical Rocky film series. The character was created by Sylvester ...
Who is Rocky Balboa?
Robert "Rocky" Balboa (also known by his ring name The Italian Stallion ), is non-fictional character from the biographical Rocky film series. The character was created by Sylvester Stallone, who has also portrayed him in all eight films in the franchise.
Why does Creed want a rematch?
After the match, Creed changes his mind and demands a re match under the stress of being humiliated by the press for failing to beat Rocky convincingly, as well as his own knowledge that he didn't give his best in the match. Creed demands a rematch with Rocky, stating that he would fight him 'anywhere, anyplace, anytime' to prove to the world that Rocky's feat was merely a fluke. Rocky initially declines and retires from boxing, having surgery for retinal detachment, a condition that could lead to permanent blindness. He marries Adrian, who convinces him to live outside boxing. However, Rocky, a grade-school drop-out, soon realizes that he has no white-collar skills beyond the eighth grade and, in fact, has dyslexia. The money he made in his match with Creed is easily and quickly frittered away, so Adrian re-claims her part-time job at the J&M Tropical Fish pet shop. At first, Rocky seems to be unaffected by Creed's smear campaign, but his inexperience with money causes him to run into financial troubles. Rocky struggles to find employment with decent pay, when he is fired from a commercial studio, turned down for an office job and even laid off at the Shamrock meat packing facility. Despite Adrian's objections, and after Creed insults Rocky on national television and the newspaper, he agrees to the rematch. Without Adrian's support, however, Rocky becomes greatly discouraged and cannot concentrate on his training whatsoever, leaving Mick frustrated and worried. The now-pregnant Adrian goes into preterm labor on the job due to stress and slips into a coma after giving birth to her first child, Robert Jr. When Adrian is out of the coma, she promises her full support to Rocky. Together, Mickey and Rocky train hard, focusing on Rocky's speed and improving his right-handed punching (Rocky being a southpaw ). At the same time, Creed is also focused on his training, taking this match much more seriously than the previous time. The rematch is set for Thanksgiving. The match goes on for the full 15 rounds again, with both Rocky and Creed falling to the canvas after Rocky lands a succession of left hands. As referee Lou Fillipo exercises his 10-count to the limit, both Creed and Rocky struggle to get back up and Creed falls back down in exhaustion. Rocky is able to get back up from sheer determination, beating the 10-count and winning the rematch by knockout, thus becoming heavyweight champion of the world.
What happened to Rico in the second round?
In the second round, Rico hits Balboa with a headbutt, leaving a gash on his forehead. Rocky then delivers a vicious barrage of punches, knocking Rico out. The next day, Rocky stops by the J&M Tropical Fish pet shop, where he meets Adrian Pennino. Adrian is very shy and scared of Rocky's tough appearance.
Why did Creed pick Rocky?
Going against his trainer's warnings of Balboa being a southpaw (left-handed boxer), Creed chooses Rocky because he likes Balboa's nickname, 'The Italian Stallion'. After getting picked by Creed, Rocky reunites with his estranged trainer, who convinces Rocky that he can help prepare him for the match.
How many rounds does Rocky and Creed play?
The match goes on for the full 15 rounds again, with both Rocky and Creed falling to the canvas after Rocky lands a succession of left hands. As referee Lou Fillipo exercises his 10-count to the limit, both Creed and Rocky struggle to get back up and Creed falls back down in exhaustion.
Why does Rocky refuse to support Donnie?
Rocky refuses to support Donnie, noting that Viktor was raised in hate and has nothing to lose, and that makes him dangerous. Despite Donnie's pleas, Rocky declines to train him out of fear and guilt from Apollo's fateful match years prior.
Who is Rocky Balboa?
Chuck Wepner is the real Rocky Balboa and he'd be happy to tell you all about it.
Where did Rocky fight?
He is characterized as being just a name found on the under card of a boxing event, much like Chuck's unheralded boxing career up to that point. They fought in Richfield, Ohio , a suburb of Cleveland.
Where is Chuck from?
Chuck was born in New York City and was the New Jersey State heavyweight boxing champion. Between bouts, he'd make ends meet as a bouncer, security guard, and occasionally had to break a kneecap collecting money from the clients of loan sharks.
Is Rocky based on a real person?
I'm always surprised when people never realized that Sylvester Stallone wrote "Rocky" based on inspiration from a real person and a real event. The character is not unlike Chuck. It's obvious the champion Creed has similar characteristics of Ali. But the whole premise is only the stuff movies are made of.
Who was Chuck's wife when he returned home?
When Chuck returned home that night, his wife Linda tried to cheer him up by asking him, "So where's Muhammad Ali? You said I was going to be sleeping with the champ tonight!" His face hurt so bad but he managed to crack a smile and they both laughed until they cried.
Who is the referee for Bayonne Bleeder?
The Bayonne Bleeder fought with a lot of pride... and a lot of blood in his fights. He's trying to wave off referee, Tony Perez who has just stopped the bout.
Is a quote on a real person?
If you put quotations on a real person, THEY SAID IT. You are really lousy at retaining what you read, you know that? Everyone else GOT that yes, he's a real person.
Who was the original Rocky Balboa?
Just like what Jason Denton mentioned, Chuck Wepner serves as the original inspiration for the character of Rocky Balboa. Sylvester Stallone actually saw the fight betwen them, and while he was watching Chuck Wepner struggle against all odds, the script for the original Rocky film was coming alive in his head.
Who is Rocky Balboa based on?
Wepner sued Stallone over Rocky and got an out of court settlement. The character, Rocky Balboa is based off the real life boxing legend Rocky Marciano. The humility, the work ethic, the heart, the chin, the knockout ability and the undisputed streak, along with being Italian almost acertains this.
Why did Rocky come back empty handed?
Because the fight in Russia was a revenge fight, and no money was involved (When asked the question on how much money he'll be making for the fight, Rocky replied "No money. It's not about money."), they came back to the states empty handed.
What is Rocky's ability to absorb damage like a sponge?
Rocky’s ability to absorb damage like a sponge, and powerful body blows, which we know Muhammad is vulnerable to - one such blow is what dropped Muhammad for a moment by Chuck Wepner, thereby initiating the whole Rocky saga in the first place in Sylvester Stallone’s mind - would ensure to keep Muhammad on his toes.
Who is Ivan Drago?
Ivan Drago is the 6′5″ Swede, Dolph Lundgren. More than just a body builder who played a tough athlete, he was a competitive and accomplished karate expert. He even had one boxing match that he lost by decision to an MMA fighter. His reach would be a great advantage against Tyson, as Lennox Lewis’s was.
Who could take on the entire Rocky movie cast?
He could take on the entire group, one by one on the same day, except Antonio Tarver and Tommy Gunn, whom he would have to fight on separate days.
Was Rocky based on a true story?
However, the story line of the movie “Rocky (1976)” is loosely based on the real life story of Joe Frazier, the first man to defeat Md. Ali and Chuck Wepner, an amateur boxer, who challenged Md. Ali, although was eventually defeated. Cheers! , Movie Buff.
Who was Rocky Balboa?
On November 25, 1975, Rocky Balboa is introduced as a small-time boxer and "leg-breaker," or debt collector, for an apparently "connected" loan shark named Anthony Gazzo. He lives in the Kensington neighbourhood of Philadelphia. Rocky is first seen defeating the boxer Spider Rico in the second round, but is considered by the audience to be a bum. The World Heavyweight Championship bout, with undefeated heavyweight champion Apollo Creed defending against Mac Lee Green, is scheduled to take place at the Philadelphia Spectrum on New Year's Day 1976, the year of the United States Bicentennial. When Green drops out because of an injured hand, Creed and his entourage, and trainer ( Tony "Duke" Evers) are stymied on what to do. Other contenders say there is not enough time to get into shape.
Where does Rocky Balboa live?
He lives in the Kensington neighbourhood of Philadelphia. Rocky is first seen defeating the boxer Spider Rico in the second round, but is considered by the audience to be a bum.
What happened to Apollo Creed after Rocky?
Following the fight at the end of Rocky, in which Apollo Creed has successfully defended his heavyweight title in a split decision, he and Rocky are taken to the same hospital for treatment of their injuries. Apollo challenges Rocky to a rematch in front of the press, but Rocky declines and announces his retirement. Rocky became a national celebrity and a worldwide hero going the distance against Creed. He was offered a lot of endorsements offers after that fight. His girlfriend Adrian supports this choice, as do his doctors, who reveal he will require surgery for a detached retina, which could lead to permanent blindness. After Rocky is discharged from the hospital, he begins to enjoy the benefits of his life's changes resulting from the match: Rocky's new fame attracts him an agent who sees Rocky as a potential endorsement and sponsorship goldmine and his sudden wealth encourages him to propose to Adrian. She happily accepts and they marry in a small ceremony. Soon after, Rocky and Adrian happily learn that Adrian is pregnant with their first child. His Beast AfterShave commercial was terrible, he care barely read the lines. He quit after that. He couldn't find any other job, since he never graduated high school and they offered him a manual labor job. But Paulie, his brother in law gave him his old job at Shamrock Meat. Rocky needed the money and he took it. Rocky loved that job, but he got fired because they were cutting back. He went to Mickey and ask him to train him. He is considering accepting a rematch against Creed. He went the distance last time, maybe this time he will go for the win. But Mickey was against it, tested him that he doesn't have the tools like he used to. Rocky asked him for a job in his gym, Mickey accepted it.
What is Rocky Balboa famous for?
He is famous for his indomitable spirit, extreme tenacity and ferocious body attack. Balboa is the titular protagonist in Rocky, Rocky II, Rocky III, Rocky IV, Rocky V and Rocky Balboa and the deuteragonist in Creed and Creed II .
How many rounds does Rocky fight Apollo?
The night of the fight arrives and Apollo has made a public goal of beating Rocky in no more than two rounds to prove the first fight going the full 15 rounds was a fluke. Rocky, fighting right-handed to protect his eye instead of his natural southpaw, is not able to mount much of an offensive effort through the first two rounds but manages to survive them disproving Apollo's theory that the first fight's result was a fluke. As before, the fight once again reaches the 15th round, by which point Apollo has built a lead on points that Rocky cannot possibly beat. However, Apollo's obsession with knocking Rocky out (against the advice of his corner men) leads him to trade blows with Rocky despite his lead.
What is Apollo obsessed with?
Meanwhile, fuelled by hate mail he has started to receive by the outraged fans, who claim that he was defeated and that the judges were voting in his favour, Apollo becomes obsessed with the idea that a rematch is the only way to prove that Rocky's performance was simply a fluke. Determined to rectify his boxing career's only blemish, Apollo ignores all pleas by his friends and family to forget the fight and move on to other potential opponents, and instead, demands his team do whatever necessary to goad Rocky out of retirement and into a rematch with him.
Why does Rocky wear gold and black?
Rocky wears black and gold because those were the same colours of the high school he never graduated from.
Overview
Character biography
Robert "Rocky" Balboa was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on July 6, 1945. He was the only child in a Roman Catholic Italian-American family. However, the surname Balboa (Italian pronunciation: [balˈbɔːa]; roughly meaning "beautiful valley") originates from a Galician-speaking town in northwestern Spain. When Rocky is spoken to by his Italian priest, Father Carmine, it is apparent that he u…
Personal life
Balboa resides in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and married Adriana "Adrian" Pennino in 1976. They were married for 26 years. The two have a son, Robert Balboa Jr., who unlike his father goes by Robert.
After Adrian's death in 2002, Rocky and his brother-in-law Paulie live together for a short time, then Paulie moves in with an unnamed girlfriend. Now living completely alone again, Rocky cannot co…
Character origin
The name, iconography, and fighting style of Rocky Balboa was inspired by the legendary heavyweight champion Rocky Marciano from Brockton, Massachusetts and from the 5 times world champion Roberto 'Manos de Piedra (Hands of Stone)' Durán, from Panama, where the Balboa is the official currency. Balboa was also inspired by other fighting legends: Joe Frazier, for his Philadelphia origin, training methods and victory against Muhammad Ali (the inspiration for Apoll…
Boxing style
Rocky Balboa fights as a southpaw (left-handed). In the second film, against Apollo Creed, he comes out orthodox and Mickey intends for him to switch back to southpaw late in the last round, but Balboa refuses saying "no tricks, I ain't switching". Mickey tells him that Apollo is ready for him (if he continues using his right) and so towards the end of the round, he does indeed lead with his left. The real reason for this is Sylvester Stallone tore his pectoral muscles in training, but the ide…
Honors
Rocky Balboa was named the 7th greatest movie hero by the American Film Institute on their 100 Years... 100 Heroes and Villains list. Additionally, he was ranked No. 36 on Empire Magazine's compilation of The 100 Greatest Movie Characters. Premiere magazine ranked Rocky Balboa No. 64 on their list of The 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time.
The Rocky character is immortalised with a bronze statue erected near the Rocky Steps in Philad…
Merchandising
Hasbro intended to license Rocky and make him a member of the G.I. Joe toyline, as they had with wrestler Sgt. Slaughter and began negotiations with Stallone's representation. Marvel Comics' G.I. Joe: Order of Battle profile book came out during the negotiations and included Rocky as a current Joe member, specializing in hand-to-hand combat training and an example of what it means to persevere under seemingly impossible odds. Balboa also appeared on the cover of the issue. In …
The Inspiration For Rocky
Average Joe vs. The Champ
The Aftermath
Conversations with Chuck Wepner
Did You Know That Rocky Was Based on A Real Person and His Experiences?
- Dan W Miller (author)from the beaches of Southern California now living in Phoenix since 2000 on August 27, 2018: I'm always surprised when people never realized that Sylvester Stallone wrote "Rocky" based on inspiration from a real person and a real event. The character is not unlike Chuck. It's obvious the champion Creed has similar characteristi...