Robert "Rocky" Balboa (also known by his ring name The Italian Stallion, played by Sylvester Stallone), is the title character and main protagonist of the Rocky film series. The character was created by Sylvester Stallone, who has also portrayed him in all eight films in the franchise. He is depicted as an everyman who started out by going the distance and overcoming obstacles that had occurred in his life and career as a professional boxer.