* MTV. *
(horns honking)
-Ooh! -Oh, oh, oh!
-(horn honking) -DANA: Hi!
-SOPHIA: Hi. -Hi. How are you? Welcome.
-Good. Nice to meet you. -I'm Dana.
-Nice to meet you. What's your name? -Sophia.
Sophia, welcome. Are you excited?
-Yeah. -Are you ready for a nose?
-Yeah, sure. Yeah, yeah, yeah. -Okay, great. Awesome.
I have never done an improv class in my entire life.
It's really my nightmare.
Oh, what do I do?
But Children's Hospital asked me to be a guest speaker
for one of their galas to raise money for their hospital.
And Sistine thinks that taking me
to some improv class is going to help me get over
my fear of public speaking, which I know it won't,
but I should probably give it a shot.
The red clown nose is the sign of being silly together.
It's a sign of the fact that we are all going
to just embrace making big, ridiculous choices together
and being silly and supporting each other, and no judgment.
So let's get into this today.
-Hi. Would you come up onstage? -SISTINE: All right.
-(applause) -DANA: How about in the back? Come on up.
-Yeah, come on down. (whoops) -(cheering)
Whenever you're ready, just start talking.
You look so good tonight.
Oh, my God, and so do you.
Oh, my God. Where'd you get that top?
A store.
Like, you're not going to tell me the store?
(laughter)
SOPHIA: Sistine's taking acting classes.
DANA: Beautiful!
SOPHIA: For her, it's easy. For me,
it's so bad. It's so bad.
(rhythmically): How about we get Sophia up here?
(applause and cheering)
SISTINE: Sophia?
I can tell her body is tensing up, and
she doesn't want to be there.
She looks so uncomfortable.
But I'm going to enjoy it, so,
it'll be good for her.
Let's see Sophia give an improvised
expert speech about books to the audience.
I'm going to change the subject in just a second.
-(dings) -Go for it.
Um, if I had to recommend...
Oh, God, where do I even start?
I am so nervous.
I am feeling super embarrassed
that I'm probably not pronun-ciating things.
-(dings) -Clowns.
Okay. Um, okay. (laughs)
-(man coughs) -Um... sorry.
Part of me feels like
maybe this wasn't the best approach for Sophia.
-(bell dinging) -Internet! Butterflies! Kindergarteners!
Your sisters!
They're bitches.
(laughter)
-(bell dings) -Thank you, Sophia.
(applause and cheering)
I had hoped that improv class would have helped me,
but actually, I feel like it's made me even more scared.
* Talk to me, baby *
* I'm goin' blind from this sweet, sweet craving, whoa-oh *
* Let's lose our minds and go crazy, crazy *
* I-I-I-I-I *
* I-I-I-I-I. *
(seabirds squawking)
* Hey, why you playing for? Like, like *
* Like, you know I'm dope, like, why are you playing? *
Been waiting to come to this place.
* Oh, you bad? Huh? *
You must have about 150 pieces.
* Oh, you bad? *
Growing up, I spent a lot of time alone,
and I started to just draw.
* With a goofy, whoa, from sleeping on the floor *
* To now my life is like a movie flick... *
So I've been painting, my God, 90% of my life.
It's truly a one-man sport.
Whereas acting, I need the help of 100 people.
Painting-- you're on your own.
This is the purest communication you can have
with your inner thoughts, just free-flowing.
-And then, eventually, wham. -Yeah.
It comes out as this.
-Like a Rorschach almost. -Exactly.
This is 100% you, 100% of Stallone.
A permanent record.
Really, his painting is almost a diary to him.
If you really look at his art and how it evolved,
I can tell you his really, really hard years
or sad years for him.
SYLVESTER: The older star, then the fallen star,
and each one is represented by colors.
I can see, like, the happier times,
and his art totally changes.
Actually, this one here-- this is Scarlet.
-Oh, wow. Yeah. -SYLVESTER: Yeah.
Heavy paint, more figurative.
She was so difficult to pin down.
I like this painting, actually.
Well, because I'd like to get out there
and start to show it. I haven't been able to do that.
Well, I've had a few shows.
Had one in Russia, had in Germany, Toronto, so...
I just need another venue in America.
But there's a stigma.
If you're not, like, a specialist in one area,
it's kind of hard sometimes to be taken seriously.
And I totally get it. I totally get it.
I'm skeptical when a singer says, "I want to be an actor."
You know, "Ah."
If you're known for one thing--
acting-- right away,
when you want to become a director,
they go, "Hmm, but you're really an actor."
Well, the same thing with painting,
and I've always considered that wrong.
It becomes
a very elitist and protected by certain
vanguard individuals
who think only a painter can paint,
and he can't do anything else.
* Future looks like wow *
* Oh, wow *
* It's like, wow... *
It's a nice color.
* The future looks like wow... *
You can't give a compliment and then look at me like that.
It's just, like... It, like, defeats the purpose.
It's like me going, "Nice face."
-* Wow... * -That's not a compliment.
-It's, like... -(doorbell rings)
-Thank God. -Is that...? (laughs)
-Hi, Scar! -Hello!
-Welcome in. -Yay!
-Hi, love. -Hi!
Look at her. Always with the coffee. I can't.
-Oh, God, I need it. -Come on, come in.
I've been up since 4:00.
I'm thinking about moving to New York, so,
I really thought it would be a good idea
to visit my sisters. I haven't talked to Louis
about moving because I'm still going back and forth with it.
I'm nervous doing long distance will ruin our relationship.
I know myself, and I'm very bad
with these kind of conversations.
See where you're at in a week
-'cause it all may change. -Okay.
I feel like this is a great opportunity
to experience the city.
So, plan today-- we're going out tonight.
-SISTINE: Absolutely. -Yeah, yeah.
SISTINE: Oh, just-just a cocktail.
-Just to whet the lips. -Whet the lips?
Ew. That's not even a phrase.
-Ew, God. -I'm sorry!
It just came out.
Hey. My tit's going to pop out any second.
-Hi. -Hi.
-Thank you. -Thank you.
* We don't know the words, so we're all just singing *
* La-la-la-la-la, la-la-la-la-la *
-Yay! -* Everybody, la-la-la-la-la *
* We don't know the words, so we're all just singing *
-* La-la-la-la-la... * -SCARLET: Oh, my God. (whoops)
Yeah!
SCARLET: New York--
it's fun, and it's lightning.
And it gives me energy,
and I-I really do need that.
I'm just ready to move here.
-New York. -* We live here! *
Yay, Sophia! Keep drinking!
-No problem. -Maybe...
You are so loose when you drink. I love it.
I feel like you would be better if you had, like, nine of these
before taking a speech.
Was this your lure to get me out here--
get me a little tipsy and convince me?
The fact that
Children's Hospital asked me to be a guest speaker
is probably one of the biggest honors
I'll ever have in my life.
I've had two open-heart surgeries,
and one of them was at Children's Hospital.
I'm so incredibly honored.
The problem is, the gala for Children's Hospital
is a huge event with hundreds of people,
and I'm picking at my nails. Talking about public speaking
just makes me like, "Ugh."
The last time Sophia gave a speech was
at another heart charity
years and years ago.
She literally had a nervous breakdown
and was crying at the table
and couldn't get up and give the speech.
She could say about two words, and then ran off.
I just... Oh, my... I just hate public speaking.
I... I just can't.
Sophia, it's not like you're giving a speech
about quantum physics.
You're talking about something you know
and that is personal in your story.
I love you guys for encouraging me,
but I'm terrified.
There's, like, no way I will actually do that speech, ever.
-Boo, boo, boo. -Boo! Tomatoes!
-Boo! -Boo!
I'm really disappointed in Sophia because this is
such a good opportunity, and she's throwing it away
because of some fear.
I just don't want to butcher it for people that have saved me,
and I can't, you know, do at least this back.
Can you guys
just understand what I'm going through and just let me...?
-I can just understand... -(overlapping chatter)
You guys aren't listening to me.
You guys aren't hearing my thoughts.
-Boo! -Boo!
Hey, go fix your hair.
I don't want to do it. (laughs)
I don't want to mess up.
* *
KATHRYN OTT LOVELL: Hello, everybody!
-Happy Rocky Day! -(applause and cheering)
Rocky has served as an international symbol
for the city of Philadelphia
since the Academy Award-winning movie
debuted 47 years ago today.
(applause and cheering)
Rocky embodies the way we see ourselves--
driven, fearless, generous, passionate, loving,
and, of course, underdogs.
What a lovely day.
I am so happy to be
in Philly to celebrate Rocky Day.
SYLVESTER: It's stunning to see
all these people coming out for me,
and for Rocky Day, which is really just a celebration
to remind the people of this great city
to never give up on their dreams,
just like Rocky never gave up.
I used to run up and down those steps when I was 12.
And when I did go inside, I went, "This is like a palace."
The Philadelphia Museum of Art is hosting the event.
So while we're here,
the new director of the museum invited Jen and I
for a private tour.
You're not sneaking in through the back.
SYLVESTER: No, I'm not sneaking in for the first time.
Usually, I used to sneak in
because I couldn't afford it.
Because you were always on the outside.
-Always on the outside. -(laughs)
-So, finally, I got in. -Now you're going in.
-Okay. Here's my-- -Through the front door.
Here's my ticket. Let me in.
(chanting): Rocky! Rocky!
Rocky! Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
SYLVESTER: Hi.
-SASHA: Welcome. -Thank you, thank you.
-It's so nice to meet you. -Jennifer.
Nice to meet you. Welcome.
It's great to be back at your little abode again.
It's not bad, eh?
-(chuckling): Oh, my God. -It's a little bit, you know,
like maybe the best museum in the world.
-It is. -Unbelievable.
SASHA: So, what does it mean to come in here
-thinking about art? -SYLVESTER: You know, it's intimidating.
-Okay. -No one ever said, "Come on in."
No one ever said, "Come in."
No one ever said, "Come on in." Why?
It felt like a pretty simple gesture.
And actually, it felt like we were asking something of you.
We were surprised you accepted the invitation.
Oh, no, I've been waiting for an invitation.
We were honored. Are you kidding me?
We were so excited.
I mean, our whole house,
there's not a wall that doesn't have art.
(chuckles) That's true.
JENNIFER: I mean, we have too much art.
Well, and you're an artist.
So I've been here for just over a year,
and the expectations for me were help transform the place.
Thinking about 2026. It'll be our 150th birthday.
It'll be Rocky's 50th anniversary.
I'd love to think about
what does it look like to ignite this place?
Have it feel like it's on fire, with you.
I have some ideas.
For example,
do you ever have tours through here?
Like, uh, this school, that school,
that you would have painting appreciation?
Teaching painting.
-Teaching. -Honey, they're talking...
-She's talking about your art. -My art?
-You as an artist. -You as an artist.
Oh, shit. Okay. I wasn't gonna be...
I'm trying to be somewhat humble.
-You're-- (chuckles) -Oh, my God.
You're talking about bringing kids groups through here.
-She's talking about actually showing your art. -But there might be...
But there might be a connection there.
-JENNIFER: Okay. -There might be a connection here.
SYLVESTER: See, that would connect,
because I paint in a way that's very cinematic.
It's bright and it's relatable.
I'd love to be here. I'd love to show my paintings.
-Well, let's talk about it. -That'd be the ultimate. Okay,
let's definitely...
Let's shout about it. I mean...
Oh, my God.
I had no idea.
This was a real shock, to have
something I painted in one
of the great art museums in the world is
-the ultimate. -JENNIFER: This is going
to be a miracle.
I mean, this is something he's dreamed of.
SYLVESTER: It doesn't get any higher for me than this.
I'm blown away.
-All right, let's deal. -Rocky Art Day.
-(laughs) Deal. Deal.
-Thank you, guys. Thank you. -Thank you. -Thank you.
(chanting): Rocky! Rocky!
* Try and front like no one knows *
* But we know *
* In my city, we get cold before it's cold *
* In this world, they telling people *
* That they old before they old *
* Want to experience every day before I go... *
Hey, hey.
Got to work. Got to go to work.
* My position, masterin' the game... *
(cheering)
* Okay, masterin' the paper *
* Masterin' my position. *
Please join me in welcoming Sylvester Stallone!
(cheering)
Yo, Philly.
-Rocky Day. Remarkable. -(cheering)
Who would've believed this?
Certainly none of the 13 schools I went to would have.
-(laughter) -Remarkable.
You know, I've been around the world,
but, for some reason,
these 72 steps
inspire me, excite me.
It's-it's like you get to the top, you feel inspired,
you feel special,
hopeful, happy
and, most of all,
-proud of yourself! -(whooping)
To all of you who, believe it or not,
are real-life Rockys,
'cause you live your life on your own terms,
you try to do the best you can and you keep punching.
So I appreciate that--
the real-life Rockys.
See, 'cause, to me,
life is a fight.
It's a tough fight.
But the real victory
is in never giving up
-and going the distance for yourself... -(cheering)
...your loved ones. And standing
at the top of these steps,
you're reminded all things are possible.
-(cheering) -Keep punching!
* *
CROWD: Rocky! Rocky! Rocky!
SOPHIA: My dad's words are really inspiring to me.
Even as much as I'm not over my fear of public speaking,
I'm gonna take charge
and do what I know I have to do
and give the speech for Children's Hospital anyways.
* *
-Hi. -Hey, Sophie!
-Oh, hello, baby. -You look so beautiful.
-Oh, thank you. Hi. -Hi, sweetheart. -Oh, my God, that's perfect.
-We match! We match! -We match.
-I had an inkling. I was... -How come I'm not wearing pink?
JENNIFER: You need a pink suit.
-Yeah. -You'd look good.
-Uh... -Are you nervous?
I mean, I keep, like-- I've written so many notes on this.
I'm just...
Do the first line.
(voice cracking): Hi, everyone.
-Oh, God. (laughing) -Th-That's good.
So you don't want to play on the negative.
You want to be up. Your story
is sad, no question about it, but it's also triumphant.
It's gonna be hard to pull you off the stage
once you get going. You're gonna love it.
JENNIFER: By the way, there's 400 women.
I don't want to get you nervous,
-but... -Why-- Don't say that to me, please.
No, it's-- No, no, no, no, no.
You're getting a chance to tell your story
in front of 400 people who want to hear it.
This is a good thing.
You know the number one fear
in the world? Spiders.
You know what number two is?
Clowns.
So if we don't see a spider
and a clown today, she'll do fine.
I did-- I saw a spider today, so...
-SYLVESTER: Did you? -And two mosquitoes. Yeah.
Wow.
Okay, can we-- can we stop talking about this?
It's just, talking about it more is making me...
-Okay. We're gonna do this. -I want to go practice it.
I'm just as nervous.
(stammers) I-I'm paralyzed.
And now I feel like an idiot.
And I feel... weak.
"Especially with the unexpected surgery at 16."
(groans) Okay, fuck.
All right, you guys are stressing me out.
I'm walking. Come on.
* I'm-a do it like that *
I'm ready to slide down this balcony.
* Like that, like that *
-WOMAN: Such an angel for doing this. -SOPHIA: Oh, thanks!
Aw, I'm a little nervous, but I...
-Oh, come on. -(laughing): I know.
Nervous, smervous.
SOPHIA: Um...
Uh, no, I'm okay. No, I'm okay.
I'm good. I keep forgetting. I'm like, "Yes, I need a drink!"
-(loud chatter) -Good afternoon!
We're gonna get started!
If you could please bring the talking to a minimum.
-It's 60 seconds of your life. -I know.
Just enjoy the moment.
For over 76 years,
the Westside Guild has been steadfast
in our mission to increase vital funds
for Children's Hospital Los Angeles.
(cheering, applause)
WOMAN: I spent a couple weeks at Children's Hospital Los Angeles
with my daughter, who was ten days old.
I watched the families and the mothers,
and they want one thing, just like I did--
someone to... help them.
MEAGHAN DONAHUE: I would also like to welcome
our guest speaker, Sophia Stallone.
(cheering, applause)
All right.
(sighs)
Hi, everyone. (exhales)
I'm a little nervous, so... take it easy on me.
You guys are all friendly faces around here, so...
Um... Ooh, gosh! (laughs): Okay.
Uh, family is everything to me,
and they are my world.
So, my health journey hasn't been the easiest.
But through their love,
they have been with me every single step of the way.
But since the surgeries,
my definition of family has expanded.
The team at CHLA are now family to me as well,
because through their thoroughness post-operation
and healing me,
they've given me a second chance at life.
* *
It sounds kind of odd to say,
but I am very, very grateful I've had these surgeries,
because I don't know who I would be without them,
and I don't think I would be as strong today
if I didn't have them.
You were so brave.
You worked and fought hard, Sophia.
SOPHIA: And since I've been given this second chance,
I've understood the fragility of life.
Therefore, I go into life now headfirst.
I'm bold in my actions,
I'm vocal in my beliefs
and I'm appreciative of the small moments
with my family and friends.
If I can leave you with any lessons that I've learned
from my experience, it would be this--
never hesitate to tell someone that you love them.
If there's an opportunity to dance and laugh,
absolutely do it.
And always prioritize time with your family and friends.
At the end of the day, those are the people
that will be with you till the very end and at your worst.
I just feel so much love in the room today,
and I just want to thank you guys
for letting me be up here and speak.
And I hope you guys have a wonderful rest of the luncheon.
(cheering, applause)
(whooping)
SYLVESTER: I remember when she had her first operation.
And here I am
watching her just blossom.
I couldn't believe how heartfelt,
how eloquent she was.
I mean, man, she made me bawl like a baby.
I couldn't have been a prouder mom.
SOPHIA: I am so proud of myself.
And I think my 16-year-old self
would be really proud of myself, too. (chuckles softly)
(whispers): Aw, fuck. (chuckles)
(groans, laughs)
And it's, like, the worst day
to wear darkest eye makeup I've ever worn in my life.
100% of these donations
go directly into CHLA.
I'll make sure of it personally.
-I know where you live! -(laughter)
I'll find you.
SYLVESTER: Got a little surprise for you guys.
You're going to come with me.
-Two weeks in Italy. -(squeals)
Ah. Ciao, bella.
-SISTINE: We have arrived! -FRANK: This is monumental.
We're gonna see relatives
we've never seen before.
Do I really want to open myself up
to these people?
-So I'm very anxious. -FRANK: Here we go.
* Come on now, roll with the crazy *
* Dance like 1980 *
* Ooh, ooh *
* Roll with the crazy *
* Dance like 1980 *
* *
* Roll with me, baby *
* You ain't gonna save me *
* Ooh, ooh. *
Captioned by Media Access Group at WGBH access.wgbh.org