The Poster Memorabilia blog

Rocky and Adrian are Still in Love

One night at the ArcLight, two icons, and the love story that didn't need to be real.

By an anonymous Hollywood insider

You know, I can never be an actor. I don’t just lack the talent and skills for it, but I can't imagine playing someone's lover and not falling for real. I mean, look at Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire. I'm still convinced they eventually dated in real life after making Rocky; I just don't have solid proof. I did, however, sense a spark between them when they reunited decades later.

The year was 2007. Target—of all companies—presented the AFI's 40th Anniversary celebration at the ArcLight Cinemas in Hollywood. My friend, who works in the industry, managed to get tickets, and there I met both actors in person.

The event included screenings of ten classic films, with each film introduced by a cast member, the director, or a writer. Rocky was one of them, and three guesses as to who presented the movie.

That's right: Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire.

Shire started by introducing Stallone, who talked a little more about writing and making the film. It was a brief moment between the two, but I could tell it meant a lot to both of them. I'm also sure their hug was much more tender than it looked to us in the audience.

Okay, maybe I'm venturing into gossip territory here. I don't really know if these two actors actually dated off-screen. They never said anything about it, and there are no credible sources for such claims. That said, it warmed my heart to see them together after all these years.

✦ ✦ ✦

I guess I feel this way because I consider Rocky and Adrian's romance as one of the best love stories in movie history. I know most people remember the movie for the boxing, especially that iconic training montage, but their relationship was the heart of the film.

“Nothing grand, just pure intimacy.”

It wasn't anything dramatic like Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet; it was simply two lonely people finding solace in each other. It's as human a love story as a movie romance can get. Nothing grand, just pure intimacy. And when Rocky called for Adrian after losing the match and they embraced amidst the chaos, the moment felt so real that I just had to believe the actors were in love in real life. Turns out, they're not.

Going back to that night, I also felt inspired hearing Stallone talk about making the film. I could tell that it was his best passion project, and that he was proud that Shire helped make it the classic it is today.

✦ ✦ ✦

I was lucky enough not only to see them in real life but also to get their autographs. The same friend who got me tickets was working the event that night, and once the presentations wrapped, he brought me along to the area where the presenters were mingling on their way out. That's where I got both stars to sign my movie poster.

Both were very nice about it. I clearly wasn't a regular at these things, and I half-expected a polite brush-off when I asked for their autographs. Instead, they simply signed my poster, flashed me a smile, and went on their way.

There may not have been any romantic love between Sylvester Stallone and Talia Shire, but their respect and admiration for each other were palpable. It was heartwarming to see two film icons actually revere one another without a hint of fakeness.

Some things you watch. This one you keep.

Guaranteed authentic for life • 90-day returns, any reason