Sylvester Stallone’s Iconic “Rocky” Steps Scene Was Improvised and Shot Quickly ‘Before the Police’ Arrived

Sylvester Stallone’s Impromptu ‘Rocky’ Steps Scene Captured on Film

Sylvester Stallone, the legendary actor known for his role as Rocky Balboa, recently revealed a fascinating anecdote about the iconic steps scene in the original “Rocky” film. Stallone shared the story during an appearance on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, where he discussed his upcoming memoir, “The Steps”, set to be published in May 2026.

Reflecting on his experience filming in Philadelphia for “Rocky”, Stallone reminisced, “When I got to Philadelphia and did the movie Rocky, I wasn’t even thinking about the steps. We didn’t have any money to shoot there. We didn’t have the license.” He explained that the now-famous scene of him running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art was actually an improvised moment. Stallone added, “I just got out of the car, I said, ‘Let me just run up the steps, get a shot of it, and we’ll get out of here before the police come.'”

Despite the impromptu nature of the scene, Stallone’s decision to include his 130-pound bull mastiff in the shot added an unexpected twist. “The first take, I said, ‘Let me carry my dog up the steps.’ My dog is a buffalo; it’s a 130 lb. bull mastiff. I get halfway up, my knees buckle,” Stallone shared with a laugh. The humorous mishap led to the decision to exclude the dog from the scene, but it ultimately became one of the most iconic moments in cinematic history.

Stallone’s reflection on the steps scene extends beyond just a memorable movie moment. He sees it as a metaphor for the journey of life and the obstacles one must overcome. “I thought it’s also a great name for a biography about the steps you make in your life to arrive,” Stallone remarked. He added, “Because guys, trust me, I had zero going… the thing is, you’ve got to get to a point like, ‘Am I going to win or is life going to win?’ It’s a battle. It’s a punch-out.”

Throughout his career, Stallone has taken on a variety of roles, but his portrayal of Rocky Balboa has become one of his most celebrated. The Rocky film series has not only solidified Stallone’s status as a Hollywood icon but has also left a lasting impact on audiences worldwide. The underdog story of Rocky Balboa resonates with viewers, inspiring them to fight for their dreams against all odds.

In addition to his memoir, Stallone is gearing up for the season 3 premiere of his Paramount+ series, Tulsa King, on September 21. As he continues to entertain audiences with his diverse projects, Stallone’s legacy remains firmly rooted in the indelible mark he has left on the world of cinema. Whether running up the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art or delivering a powerful performance on screen, Sylvester Stallone continues to captivate audiences with his talent and passion for storytelling.