Sylvester Stallone was in good company when he unveiled the latest addition to his hugely popular Rocky franchise on Sunday.
The Hollywood star was joined by legendary actor Chevy Chase as he opened a Rocky memorabilia shop in Philadelphia, where the drunken fictional boxer's film series is based.
Chase, who spent five weeks in hospital in 2021 with a heart condition, arrived in a wheelchair before standing up for a photo with 77-year-old Stallone.
The 80-year-old appeared to be in good spirits as the two film veterans greeted fans in the Pennsylvania capital after it officially declared December 3 as 'Rocky Day'.
On a wet and windy day in Philadelphia, Chase stayed warm in a padded jacket during what seemed like an unexpected appearance at the new store's grand opening.
Chevy Chase was seen in a wheelchair supporting close friend Sylvester Stallone at the launch of a Rocky memorabilia store in Philadelphia on Sunday
Chase, who spent five weeks in the hospital with a heart condition in 2021, eventually stood up for a photo with Stallone
The Rocky Shop is close to the Philadelphia Museum of Art – famously used by Stallone during Rocky's 1976 training montage, which ends with the boxer running up the stone steps.
Addressing those who had gathered in the rain to catch a glimpse of Stallone, he said: “I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart, and Rocky's too, because we are very close to you all who believe in it. or not are the real Rockys, because you live your life on your own terms, you try to do the best you can, and you keep hitting.”
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 reach the top, you feel inspired, you feel special, hopeful, happy and most of all proud of yourself,” Stallone, 77, said, before adding that reaching the top makes people a “champion of their dreams” reach. on top of the stairs.
“Life is a fight,” Stallone declared as he addressed the large crowd, according to WHYY News in Philadelphia. “It's a tough fight and prepare yourself. You're going to win some and lose a lot.'
The actor then embraced the film's underdog and rags-to-riches themes, adding, “But the real victory lies in never giving up and going the extra mile for yourself and your loved ones, and if you're at the top of these steps , you are reminded that all things are possible. Keep thrusting.”
The Rocky Shop is located in the Parkway Visitor Center Outpost, next to the base of the so-called 'Rocky Steps' and near the famous Rocky Statue that was erected in 2006.
Not only was Rocky Balboa's unforeseen shot at the heavyweight championship against Apollo Creed a great take on the underdog story, so was the process of making the film.
The 80-year-old appeared to be in good spirits as the two film veterans greeted fans in the Pennsylvania capital after it officially declared December 3 as 'Rocky Day'.
Stallone cut the ribbon as a store dedicated to Rocky memorabilia opened its doors
The Hollywood legend was joined 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 hardball with United Artists when he turned down a six-figure deal, reportedly $250,000, to sell the film rights and refused to allow it to be made without him in the main role.
Ultimately, United Artists agreed to cast Stallone as Rocky Balboa, which proved to be a winning combination as Rocky, and its message of “never give up,” became a major hit on its way to becoming the highest-grossing film of 1976, with revenue of $225 million. worldwide box office against a budget of just under $1 million.
In addition to 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 spawned 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, 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.”