Linda Hamilton’s Initial Reluctance to Work with Schwarzenegger Unearthed

Key Takeaways:

– Hollywood actress Linda Hamilton expressed initial doubts about working with Arnold Schwarzenegger on the Terminator films.
– Arnold Schwarzenegger credits his success to his passion for acting, turning down a lucrative bodybuilding offer to pursue his Hollywood dream.
– Hamilton and Schwarzenegger’s partnership in Terminator became a defining element of the franchise’s success.

All-Action Hero Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Rise to Stardom

Hollywood megastar Arnold Schwarzenegger’s journey from bodybuilding champ to one of Tinseltown’s biggest action heroes is a tale as riveting as any of his theatrical offerings. While he had a significant presence in major Hollywood blockbusters, it was his role in the Terminator series that truly established him as a cinematic giant.

However, the actor recently learned that his on-screen partner, Linda Hamilton, harboured initial reservations about working with him. The revelation came during a previous appearance on The Graham Norton Show.

Hamilton’s Early Doubts About the Terminator Films

Hamilton, who played the key role of Sarah Connor, initially voiced her reticence about joining the seminal sci-fi franchise. During an enlightening conversation on the talk show, Hamilton explained that her New York training with Lee Strasberg and negative preconceptions about LA’s movie scene fostered her doubts.

Furthermore, she was unsure about Schwarzenegger, who was then primarily known for his bodybuilding exploits rather than his acting chops. Much to the Austrian Oak’s surprise, Hamilton admitted to being hesitant about even meeting him on set.

Schwarzenegger’s Astonishment at Hamilton’s Revelation

In response, Schwarzenegger reacted in mock shock, humorously expressing his incredulity with the statement, “You never told me that story!” Despite Hamilton’s initial concerns, the chemistry they developed on the Terminator set laid the foundation for one of Hollywood’s most iconic on-screen partnerships.

Hamilton’s initial doubts turned out to be misplaced, as both stars achieved considerable commercial and critical success from the Terminator series. The Hamilton-Schwarzenegger pairing featured in three Terminator instalments, with the final one, Terminator: Dark Fate, releasing in 2019.

Schwarzenegger’s Sacrifice For Stardom

Moving beyond Hamilton’s revelation, Schwarzenegger also shared insights into his own career during a stint on The Howard Stern Show. The former bodybuilder opened up about sacrificing a lucrative deal with Jack Lalanne Gyms to establish himself in Hollywood.

The actor voiced his dream of joining the ranks of screen legends like Clint Eastwood, making a million dollars per movie. Despite the substantial offer from Jack Lalanne Gyms, Schwarzenegger was intent on studying acting and making Hollywood his primary focus.

Final Thoughts

The unlikely story of Linda Hamilton and Arnold Schwarzenegger coming together for the Terminator series provides insights into the behind-the-scenes drama of Hollywood. As with the unstoppable force of a Terminator, both Schwarzenegger and Hamilton overcame initial hurdles to cement their legacy in film history. It also shines a spotlight on the sacrifices and challenges one must surmount in the pursuit of their dreams, as Schwarzenegger did in opting to stay the course towards Hollywood stardom.