Rocky was and still is a hit on so many levels. A classic story about finding self worth, going above and beyond the odds, and a truly charming story about love. But what inspired this movie that would touch so many? How did this diamond in the rough come about, and who were the players who turned this gem into a reality.
The Inspiration For Rocky
Though Rocky was somewhat inspired by Rocky Marciano and the fight between Muhammad Ali and Chuck Wepner in 1975, the core foundation to Rocky’s story was a lot more personal to writer Sylvester Stallone. His personal experience and the trials he went through would be the theme and basis for the Rocky script. 
Before the success of Rocky, Stallone was a struggling actor in both New York and later Hollywood. In New York, he had sold the script Paradise Alley for only a $100 when he had $50 bucks to his name.