Rocky Balboa is no more, as according to Sylvester Stallone, the famous Philly puncher has graced the silver screen for the last time.
Making the official announcement this week, the 72-year-old said he was heartbroken when making the decision.
Stallone has played Balboa in eight movies since starring and directing the first installment in 1976.
Through five decades, Rocky has given pleasure to countless millions around the world. It truly is the world’s greatest underdog story.
Stallone also said an emotional farewell and shared the final photo of the last day of Creed 2, which is now in cinemas.
Rocky Balboa retires
“I just want to thank everyone worldwide for taking the Rocky family into their hearts for over 40 years,” stated Stallone.
“It’s been my ultimate privilege to have been able to create and play this meaningful character.
“Though it breaks my heart, Sadly, all things must pass…and end. I love you, kind and generous people.
“The most wonderful thing of all is that ROCKY will never die because he lives on in you,” he added.
Accompanying the photo in his final post on the matter, Stallone added: “Oddly, this was the last photo taken during the day on CREED 2.
“Believe it or not, this is an untouched photo. How strange is this…”
Excerpt from WBN’s ‘Creed to Creed’:
For many, the story of Robert ‘Rocky’ Balboa Sr. began in late 1975 with a victory in a converted church over fellow journeyman ‘Spider’ Rico. But if you look closer, the backstory is right before your eyes and runs much, much deeper than that.
Born in Philadelphia in 1945, Balboa had toiled his whole life to find a calling, becoming embroiled in the mean streets as a loan shark enforcer while pushing his obvious boxing talent and eventual destiny to one side.
