Before Rocky hit movie theaters in 1976, virtually nobody knew who Sylvester Stallone was. The Italian-American actor had been struggling to get by in New York City, taking on bit parts here and there, and even getting rejected for a background role in The Godfather. Deciding enough was enough, he took control of his own destiny and wrote Rocky.
Sylvester Stallone became an overnight sensation and his passion project was a major box office hit. Then came the pinnacle of cinematic success: the Oscars. This wasn’t art imitating life, it was the other way round. Rocky Balboa rose from rags to riches, and so did Stallone. However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing.
