Home Baby Returning to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum for the City’s First ‘Rocky’ Day, Sylvester Stallone says, ‘Changed My Life.’

Returning to the steps of the Philadelphia Museum for the City’s First ‘Rocky’ Day, Sylvester Stallone says, ‘Changed My Life.’

Baby — 12/05/2023

Sylvester Stallone is back where it all started, nearly 50 years after Rocky Balboa famously ascended the stairs at the Philadelphia Museum of Art.

<p>Gilbert Carrasquillo/GC Images</p><div class='code-block code-block-10' style='margin: 8px 0; clear: both;'> <script> if(window.innerWidth > 1034) { document.write('<ins class='); }else{ document.write(''); }

Sylvester Stallone speaking in Philadelphia during the first-ever Rocky Day on Dec. 3, 2023″ align=”center” style=”max-width: 100%; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;”>

On Sunday, the 77-year-old actor made a return visit to the legendary location for Philadelphia’s inaugural Rocky Day. The day commemorated the 48th anniversary of the sports drama’s 1976 U.S. release.

Standing on a stage near the 72-stair site where his boxer character made his iconic jog during training, Stallone thanked those involved in the event. “My life changed when I went into that building, after going up these steps about 20 times when I was very, very young,” he said.

“I went in there, and that changed my life,” he added of the museum itself. “One is physical, the other is emotional and spiritual. You should definitely take your children in there — they won’t be the same when they come out.”

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart. I can’t believe you did this,” Stallone continued, referring to the key to the city that he was surprised with before his speech.

Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE’s free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human-interest stories.

<p>Everett Collection</p> <p> Sylvester Stallone in <em>Rocky</em> (1976)” loading=”lazy” data-caas-lazy-loading-init=”1″ src=”https://s.yimg.com/ny/api/res/1.2/DzLdTISnaZCZgZF6snhKDg–/YXBwaWQ9aGlnaGxhbmRlcjt3PTk2MDtoPTYzMztjZj13ZWJw/https://media.zenfs.com/en/people_218/b1bbefe1575345434e8b327cd98fa12e” align=”center” style=”max-width: 100%; margin-bottom: 30px; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; display: block;”></p> <p>Everett Collection</p> <p>Sylvester Stallone in Rocky (1976)</p> <p>Related: You Must Watch Michael B. Jordan Recap All the ‘Rocky’ Movies Before Seeing ‘Creed II’</p> <p>Stallone — who was joined by wife Jennifer Flavin Stallone for the event — raved about how “remarkable” it was to witness a Rocky Day.</p> <p>“I’ve been around the world; I’ve seen a lot of things. I’ve been lucky to see a lot of things, amazing sites — the Pyramids, the Colosseum — but for some reason, these 72 steps inspire me and excite me,” he continued. “When you get to the top, you feel inspired, special, hopeful, happy, and most of all, proud of yourself when you get to the top. Think about it: When you get to the top and look out, you did it. You feel good at this moment, really good.”</p> <p>“Because to me, when you’re up there, you feel like you can be the champion of your dreams. It’s a possibility. It’s a sliver of hope,” Stallone said. “Life is a fight. It’s a tough fight, so get ready. You’re gonna win some, and you’re gonna lose a lot.”</p> <p>“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,” he went on, concluding, “Keep punching!”</p> <p><img class=

© 2023