“I took my story and injected it into the body of Rocky Balboa because no one, I felt, would be interested in listening to or watching or reading a story about a down-and-out, struggling actor/writer,” said stallone, of the inspiration behind the sleepy-eyed slugger.

Way more than the six months of fight training, it was sly’s heartfelt sincerity and naive passion that shone through to make Rocky hollywood’s ultimate fairytale hero.

Sll hard fists and soft eyes, stallone ensures his scenes outside the ring are the emotional left-hooks that you never see coming.

Greatest Moment: Admitting his fears to Adrian.

Also See: John J Rambo (First Blood), Sheriff Freddy Heflin (Cop Land).