– Why him?: We love to root for an underdog, and who was more of an underdog than the Italian Stallion, a minor Philly pugilist and reluctant thug who gets the chance of a lifetime — a shot at the heavyweight title. Like Chaplin’s Tramp, Rocky is Stallone’s own creation, as writer, director and star of the original.
– The films: “Rocky I-V” (1976-95) and “Rocky Balboa” (2006).
– The look: In the beginning, an oversized, worn leather jacket and sweats hide a muscular physique that’s later revealed to his lady love while he’s wearing a “beater” T. But nothing beats his boxing robes, with advertisement space sold by his future brother-in-law, Paulie.
– The walk and the talk: Rocky goes from slouched and slow to a guy on the run — through the streets of Philadelphia and up the steps of the art museum, as he gets in shape for the big fight and begins a real-life Philly tradition. The gruff and mumbly voice and sometimes slurred speech (partly because of paralysis to the left side of Stallone’s face) can be tender and mumbly, too.
– Signature line: “Yo, Adrian.”
