Meet the real-life inspiration behind 'Rocky' and 'Chuck' films

Alicia Vitarelli Image
Friday, May 12, 2017
Meet the real-life inspiration behind 'Rocky' and 'Chuck' films
Meet the real-life inspiration behind "Rocky" whose life is now being told a second time on film in the new movie "Chuck."

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Rocky is a legendary and iconic movie for the city of Philadelphia.

The film's influence is still drawing crowds, fists up, by the famous statue at the Art Museum.

But do you really know Rocky?

Meet the man whose life is now being told a second time on film.

The story, penned by and played by Sylvester Stallone belongs to Chuck Wepner

"I'm the real Rocky, the inspiration for the movie Rocky," he said.

And now, the former heavyweight champion of the world is the star of a second film about his career and his life in and out of the ring.

Not everybody can say they have not one, but two films based on their story. That's pretty impressive.

"I've been very lucky in my lifetime and fought the right people. I hooked up with Stallone," said Chuck.

So how does it feel to sit in a theater and watch a movie about himself on the big screen?

"There are parts that hurt a little bit because I made some mistakes" he admits.

This time around, Chuck is played by Hollywood heavyweight Liev Shreiber.

"He got it exactly right and did a great job in the movie. Of course he needed some makeup, he's a lot better looking than me," Chuck joked.

He said Schrieber spent a lot of time with him to perfect his movements and mannerisms.

The movie Chuck opens May 12 in Philadelphia.

You can catch a screening of it at the Ritz East in Old City.

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