In a career spanning almost five decades, Arnold Schwarzenegger has become a towering figure in cinema. Yet, it’s fascinating to consider that at one point, his movie stardom aspirations seemed uncertain. However, fast forwarding to 2025, Arnold will grace the big screen once more in the festive film “The Man with the Bag,” where he dons the role of Santa Claus. Remarkably, he’s shared insights on how he managed to carve a niche for himself in the competitive world of Hollywood.
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What Did Arnold Schwarzenegger Say About How He Became A Movie Star?
Many individuals can follow various paths to achieve success, and this holds true even for those who eventually rise to prominence as our most distinguished entertainers. For instance, Arnold Schwarzenegger transformed his bodybuilding career into a spectacular film career, earning love and admiration for several decades due to some of the greatest action movies ever made, such as the Terminator series, Predator, his extraordinary portrayal of The Running Man, True Lies, and the often overlooked Last Action Hero.
In a conversation with GQ, the ’80s/’90s action star was asked if he ever noticed that the definition of a leading man in movies has changed significantly to include actors who are less muscular than the typical action hero. Reflecting on his own film career, the former governor responded affirmatively.
In simpler terms, when I transitioned from bodybuilding to acting, I secured an agent who presented me to film studio executives. However, they were taken aback, stating that my weight of 250 pounds was unsuitable for the movie industry in the seventies. They compared it to the sixties, a time known for Hercules-style movies where larger physiques might have been acceptable. They emphasized that Woody Allen, Dustin Hoffman, and Al Pacino were popular sex symbols then, all weighing around 145 pounds. In essence, they suggested that my size didn’t fit the new trend in Hollywood during that time.
Reflecting on my childhood memories, it’s fascinating to ponder the timing of Arnold Schwarzenegger and Sylvester Stallone’s ascent to action movie stardom. The 1970s, a decade not typically associated with muscular blockbusters featuring men like future “Commando” stars, saw actors such as those mentioned, along with Richard Dreyfuss, Gene Hackman, Richard Pryor, and Jack Nicholson. Although some of these actors portrayed tough characters, they didn’t embody the bulky, rough-and-tumble action heroes we often associate with their names today. He further explained:
Instead of expressing a sense of urgency to reduce weight, I opted to persist with my training and other commitments. I reasoned that if I succeeded in popularizing bodybuilding, there would be an increased demand for bodybuilders on screen. And indeed, after Pumping Iron was released, people began to see my potential as an actor, leading to discussions about acquiring the Conan rights.
Hang on a moment… Is he suggesting that if all us writers unite and make writing appealing, we might even get a shot at stardom in films? Well, I’m not holding my breath for the Oscars, but his point about persistence and demonstrating our worth to those in power certainly resonates. And it seems his strategy paid off for him, as he went on to say: “Indeed, my success is proof that audiences are willing to invest in what we do.
Initially, they began focusing on Conan’s character, and subsequently, they requested that I star in films such as Stay Hungry, which featured bodybuilding elements. Similarly, they asked me to be part of The Streets of San Francisco, a production with intense bodybuilding scenes. Once I demonstrated my abilities, they started unearthing forgotten scripts.
Shake off the cobwebs, certainly. Not only that, but it wasn’t too long before the famed star of “Conan the Barbarian” became one of the most prominent figures in Hollywood, and filmmakers started creating projects with the expectation that he would take the lead role. He stated:
After that, I managed to force my way through. Instead of hesitating and feeling overwhelmed by the situation, I didn’t let it discourage me from facing challenges head-on. I didn’t find myself thinking, “Oh no, I’ve missed my chance, the right moment, what should I do now?” I was not concerned about fitting in or following trends. After all, we are here for the long haul. We will experience changes and cycles, but I don’t have to be a follower. Instead, I aim to lead the way.
It’s quite remarkable how Schwarzenegger makes film stardom seem effortless, isn’t it? His knack for success is undoubtedly a big reason he rose to the top and maintained his popularity for decades, with fans now recalling his movies fondly as they reminisce about their childhood.
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2025-09-12 21:43