Leroy Neiman, the world famous sports artist, made cameo appearances in Rocky 3, 4, 5 and Rocky Balboa. Neiman’s art could also be seen in several of the Rocky movies. The most famous Neiman Rocky art is the painting shown above. You’ll see copies hanging in many sports bars and man caves throughout the world. I have one of the original release prints that my wife surprised me with when I was in college way back when the piece was first released.
The painting above is the second most known Neiman Rocky painting. It appeared at the very end of Rocky III. To the best of my knowledge it was never released as an official Neiman print although there are many knock-offs and other artist copies out there.
Neiman created the painting above for Rocky V. My understanding is it was released as a limited edition print for a fundraiser. The print above was signed by Tommy Morrison.
The Neiman watercolor study above was offered up for auction and hopefully won by a Stallone fan.
And now for the mystery. The very bad image above is of a Neiman Rocky piece that sharp-eyed fans spotted during a vintage Barbara Walters interview with Sly Stallone. The art was/is in Sly Stallone’s personal collection. Here’s the mystery — was the piece ever released as a print or shown anywhere else? Are there any good copies of it around? If anyone knows, please forward the information and I’ll be sure to share it.