Arnold Schwarzenegger was one of the best in bodybuilding and has left a legacy in the sport. But what he also did is he never left behind his dream to become an actor. Surprising fans and cutting short his winning streak, the seven times Mr. Olympia champion left the bodybuilding world in shock when he stayed away from competing for five consecutive years to pursue his passion for acting and held no regret. However, for actor Arnold, there is one “regret” he feels deeply.

Speaking about it in a 2011 interview, bodybuilder turned actor Arnold opens up. Arnie throws light on his “greatest regret” as an actor.

Arnold Schwarzenegger went candid about his regret

Having acted in more than forty films, Arnold, over the years, has steadily established himself as an actor. Hailed as one of Hollywood’s favorite action stars, Arnie’s fan base is spread worldwide. From perfecting the role as The Terminator, Predator, Commando, and others, the Golden Globe-winning actor knew he was not the perfect choice for playing the lead in Forrest Gump. 

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His decision to turn down Robert Zemeckis’ ground-breaking venture was hence conscious. However, he holds regret for the same. Expressing himself, the Austrian Oak remarked in the 2003 Vanity Fair interview, “My only regret is when an actor wins an Oscar for a role I turned down.” It may have been a poor judgment from Arnold’s end, but that actor knew from the very beginning that he was not the ideal choice. 

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He adds, “I still say I wasn’t right for Forrest Gump.” For those unversed, the part of Forrest Alexander Gump was later offered to Tom Hanks, and he earned the 1995 Academy award as best actor. That year, the movie secured 13 Academy wins. As far as Arnold is concerned, it was not the first time he had turned down such an offer. 

The roles that Arnold missed playing on-screen

Hollywood’s leading director and Arnold’s good friend James Cameron had detailed in 47 pages how Electro, Sandman, and Dr. Octopus would fight against the web-slinger. A master in his art, Cameron’s choice for Dr. Octopus was Arnold; however, the plans were never executed owing to studio complications. Eventually, Arnold went on to play the iconic role of Mr. Freeze in Batman and Robin.

Not just Dr. Octopus, Arnie also missed out on his chance to play the iconic lead in The Incredible Hulk in the 1970s television series. Lou Ferrigno then played the part. Regardless of the chances Arnold missed out, the presence that he has created on-screen is hard to miss. From popularizing bodybuilding into the mainstream to establishing himself as Hollywood’s leading action star, Arnie has traveled a long way.

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Do you think Schwarzenegger made the right choice? Share your thoughts in the comments section!