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Rocky: 40 years later, he’s still a lovable underdog

FILE – In this Dec. 13, 2006, file photo, actor and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone, left, poses with actress Talia Shire, center, who played his wife in the "Rocky" movies, and his wife Jennifer Flavin Stallone, right, at the premiere of the movie "Rocky Balboa" in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Four decades after the Nov. 21, 1976, premiere of "Rocky," the movie's reach is international, and the title character's underdog tale of determination, grit and sleepy-eyed charm still resonates with fans. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File) FILE – In this Dec. 13, 2006, file photo, actor and screenwriter Sylvester Stallone, left, poses with actress Talia Shire, center, who played his wife in the "Rocky" movies, and his wife Jennifer Flavin Stallone, right, at the premiere of the movie "Rocky Balboa" in the Hollywood section of Los Angeles. Four decades after the Nov. 21, 1976, premiere of "Rocky," the movie's reach is international, and the title character's underdog tale of determination, grit and sleepy-eyed charm still resonates with fans. (AP Photo/Kevork Djansezian, File)

By Associated Press November 21, 2016 1 min read

PHILADELPHIA (AP) – An American icon is marking his 40th anniversary.

On Nov. 21, 1976, movie audiences met South Philly boxer Rocky Balboa. Four decades later, the lovable loser turned heavyweight champion still resonates with fans. His underdog story against the gritty backdrop of a blue-collar city is one of the most celebrated in American film.

“Rocky” was made on a budget of only $1 million, but it went on to make more than $225 million worldwide. The film also won three Oscars, including best picture, and made a megastar out of Sylvester Stallone, who wrote it.

Fans still re-create the famous scene in which Rocky bounds up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, raising his arms with clenched fists in triumph.