
via Imago
Magic Johnson Arnold Schwarzenegger Imago

via Imago
Magic Johnson Arnold Schwarzenegger Imago
Los Angeles Lakers legend Magic Johnson is a winner in all senses. Not only is he one of the greatest NBA superstars ever, but he is also quite successful outside the court as well. A little-known fact about Johnson is his association with the media industry. After conquering the basketball world, Johnson entered the world of late-night talk shows in 1998. Although there was a lot of competition in the industry, the former MVP was confident in himself.
He started the ‘Magic Hour’ which featured some of the biggest celebrities during that time. Johnson himself hosted the show along with his sidekick, and the show did not receive good reviews initially. In fact, Johnson once fumbled on live television while talking with the bodybuilding legend Arnold Schwarzenegger.
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Magic Johnson once felt the pressure on live television
Magic has performed on the biggest of stages. From an NBA final to an Olympics final, Johnson has conquered every peak. However, one of the biggest challenges in his life came after retirement. He launched his own late-night talk show amidst heavy competition from names like David Letterman and Jay Leno.

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NEW YORK, NEW YORK – OCTOBER 29: Earvin “Magic” Johnson, Chairman and CEO of Magic Johnson Enterprises speaks onstage during ONWARD19: The Future Of Search – Day 2 at Marriott Marquis Times Square on October 29, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Craig Barritt/Getty Images for Yext)
The critics weren’t kind either. They debated over Magic’s skills as a talk show host and how he is too nice for the industry. One of the first guests on the show was former Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger.
He asked Arnold, “How do you remain such a regular guy?” and shortly after, he skips a monologue and plays the straight man to his sidekick’s one-liners.
All these were obviously very tough for Johnson. He had been playing basketball all his life and was also battling HIV at the time. However, one thing’s for sure, he wasn’t backing down from the challenge.
Arnold Schwarzenegger’s answer on the show shocked Johnson
Arnold Schwarzenegger needs no introduction. He has won Mr. Olympia seven times and also acted in several Hollywood classics and blockbusters. During his appearance on The Magic Hour, Schwarzenegger and Magic Johnson talked about their life, career, and accomplishments.
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During a segment of the show, Johnson revealed that he once pressed 300 lbs with two arms once. Little did he know, it was a small feat for Arnold who could lift the same weight with one hand! This left the five-time NBA champion baffled on his own show.
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WATCH THIS STORY: Magic Johnson dropped the hammer on former teammate as LeBron James nears iconic NBA scoring record
What is your favorite memory of Magic Johnson? Let us know in the comments down below.
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