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Arnold Schwarzenegger became an action cinema icon during the 1980s. After starring in movies like The Terminator (1984) and Predator (1987), Schwarzenegger’s fame exploded. Hence fans became excited when the bodybuilding icon announced he would star in the sequel to the 1984 movie. Despite production troubles, Terminator 2: Judgement Day became the biggest hit of Arnie’s career and shattered box-office records. While appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1991, Schwarzenegger revealed a lesser-known incident on the set of T2.

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During their conversation, the former Mr. Olympia praised his co-star, Linda Hamilton. The bodybuilding icon praised her for getting into phenomenal shape for the role. While Letterman agreed, he reminded the Hollywood star about the incident involving Hamilton’s sister. Schwarzenegger’s response made everyone laugh.

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Arnold Schwarzenegger explained the unforeseen mishap

David Letterman told the former bodybuilding champion, “She (kinda Hamilton) told some story about you sneaking up on her sister and causing trouble.” However, The Terminator actor didn’t hesitate to respond. “That this is the Austrian hug, where we sneak up from behind…” said Schwarzenegger. Hearing his answer, Letterman and the audience in attendance burst out laughing. 

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However, the legendary talk show host said, “I know what you actually did. It wasn’t one of these, ‘excuse me miss’. It wasn’t one of those.” Schwarzenegger responded with, “No, no, we (Austrians) go all out.” The bodybuilding icon also explained that he didn’t realize it was not Hamilton but her twin sister“They look exactly alike,” said Arnie

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READ MORE | “Linda Hamilton Is a Leading Woman”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Once Gave Fan a Befitting Reply for Accusing Terminator Franchise of ‘Piggypacking Off’ on Their Female Lead

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Regardless the Hollywood action icon got into trouble for his “Austrian hug.” The seven-time Mr. Olympia hinted he might have had to endure the punishment. “I don’t mind sleeping in a garage,” revealed Schwarzenegger before Letterman announced a commercial break.

Linda Hamilton had qualms about working with the Austrian Oak

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Decades later, Schwarzenegger and Hamilton starred in Terminator: Dark Fate (2019). While promoting the movie, the duo appeared on The Graham Norton Show. Hamilton revealed she got the offer to star in the 1984 movie but didn’t look forward to working with the former Mr. Olympia. However, Arnie wasn’t at fault.

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I was a snotty New York Actress you know,” Hamilton told Norton. In 1984, Hamilton was training under renowned theater director Lee Strasberg. She also had the impression that LA movies “sucked” and had no idea who Schwarzenegger was. Little did she know they would become one of action cinema’s most iconic duos.

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Watch this story | “Bible of Bodybuilding”–7x Mr. Olympia Arnold Schwarzenegger Once Explained the Book that Got Him Into Bodybuilding

What’s your take on Arnold Schwarzenegger’s special hug? Let us know in the comments. 

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Sagnik Bagchi

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Sagnik Bagchi is a Senior Writer at EssentiallySports, covering collegiate and Olympic sports through opinion‑driven storytelling. His volleyball reporting often spotlights program shifts and leadership changes, including Harper Murray’s evolving role and John Cook’s candid retirement reflections at Nebraska. With nearly four years in sports media, Sagnik has contributed across key beats, from the Paris 2024 Newsbreak team to behind‑the‑scenes coverage of the NHL Playoffs. An English Literature postgraduate, Sagnik’s versatility spans bodybuilding, US sports, and Olympic disciplines. As a former Senior Bodybuilding Writer, his work earned recognition from IFBB Pro Greg Doucette. His adaptability and consistency have resulted in a place in EssentiallySports’ Journalistic Excellence Program, where selected writers work with industry mentors to refine their reporting and analytical skills.

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Simar Singh Wadhwa

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