For many fans, meeting Sylvester Stallone is a dream. But imagine being paid to walk up to Rocky Balboa himself and ask for his autograph. That’s exactly what happened to Bill Silvetti when he landed a role as an extra in Rocky Balboa (2006).
Filming in Philadelphia’s Italian Market, Bill got to be part of a scene where locals excitedly approached Rocky, asking for autographs. While the moment didn’t make the final cut, one thing did—a business card with Stallone’s handwritten signature as Rocky Balboa.
Here’s Bill’s story of stepping into the Rocky universe and walking away with a piece of movie history.
“I was an extra in Rocky Balboa and made it into the final print. In the scene when Rocky visits the Italian Market to buy food for Adrian’s Restaurant, I walk past him as he is loading his groceries in his van.
“We also filmed a scene that never made the movie. All of the extras in the Italian Market were directed to run up to Rocky and excitedly ask for his autograph. Even though this scene never made it, I still have the business card he scribbled on during this unused scene. I never in a million years thought I would get paid to go up to Sylvester Stallone and ask for his autograph.”
Bill Silvetti
