Arnold Schwarzenegger was the first man to win the Mr. Olympia title seven times, and also has arguably contributed most to bodybuilding. Schwarzenegger also trained with world-class bodybuilders who pushed one another to the brink of their physical capacity. However, his friend, Tom Arnold, wasn’t prepared to face the champion’s mindset when he worked out with the bodybuilding icon.

Tom Arnold starred alongside Arnold Schwarzenegger in the 1994 James Cameron film True Lies. However, unlike the former Mr. Olympia, Tom Arnold was never into working out or leading a healthy lifestyle. However, after becoming a father at 55, Arnold transformed himself, dropping nearly 100 lbs. While appearing on Conan, tom Arnold shared how Schwarzenegger made him work out harder.

Arnold Schwarzenegger isn’t afraid to show some tough love

Since starring in True Lies, Tom Arnold has appeared on Conan O’Brien’s talk show multiple times. However, in 2014, when the famous talk show host saw Arnold, Conan was surprised at how “skinny” the actor looked. O’Brien then asked the actor if he was working out with his “good friend,” Arnold Schwarzenegger. While Tom Arnold agreed, he also revealed how he felt intimidated to work out around the former bodybuilding champion.

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According to the comedian, Schwarzenegger’s home gym is unlike any other gym in the world. “It’s like if Liberace had a gym, it’s like a Versailles. There are columns and statues and paintings of his family and it’s just a weird vibe in there,” explained the actor. He also said the seven-time Mr. Olympia had good intentions. “He wants to fix me,” said Arnold.

However, the comedian also said the bodybuilding icon’s tough love felt intimidating. “I’m pretty good at working out, you know, by myself. But then, you know, it’s so intimidating… He (Schwarzenegger) goes, your calves look fantastic. And then he insults me,” explained Tom Arnold during his segment on Conan on TBS.

James Cameron is the reason why the two actors became friends

The True Lies co-stars have a great friendship even decades after working together. However, they owe their camaraderie to the legendary director. After casting Arnold Schwarzenegger and Jaime Lee-Curtis for his film, Cameron wished to cast Tom Arnold for a role. Fox Studios opposed the Terminator director’s decision and said, “he’s crazy.”

However, Cameron fought for the comedian. He also threatened “to go down the street to Paramount,” and pitch the movie to them. After realizing the filmmaker wasn’t joking, Fox Studios accepted his decision. In an interview with The Ringer, Arnold said he’d always be grateful to the filmmaker for casting him in True Lies.

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