The most captivating fusion of muscle and finesse, Arnold Schwarzenegger is a treat to watch in most flicks. Through his undying motivation to excel at it all, he transformed himself from a bodybuilding champion into a cinematic legend. While his iconic roles in The Terminator and Predator showcased his ability to dominate the action genre, his comedy films demonstrated his surprising comedic talent as well. So, when the Austrian Oak was called upon to do the unconventional role of a pregnant woman, he gave it his all. 

For that role, he leaned on the best possible coach: his now ex-wife.

How did Schwarzenegger’s wife help him?

For his uniquely lighthearted film, Junior, Schwarzenegger, tackled the role of a scientist who became pregnant of his own choice. In an interview with ScreenSlam shared in 2015, he revealed that he took inspiration from his now ex-wife’s three pregnancies to depict the scientist. He felt fortunate to have witnessed it all, “from Lamaze classes and including a childbirth” through her to prepare himself for the role. Thankfully, he “remembered” the experiences “clearly” enough to recreate it. 

Additionally, the now 76-year-old also walked away with an immense appreciation for the emotional roller-coaster his now ex-wife experienced. Through his 1988 blockbuster: Twins, he got his first taste of the comedy genre. Although Junior failed to reach the same height, it still earned Schwarzenegger a Golden Globe nomination. Considering the nuance required to play such a challenging process, one could say that the Austrian Oak deserved that much. 

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After all, it also forced him to venture into an unfamiliar arena in this way, too. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger benefitted from this perception of himself 

According to Schwarzenegger, the public’s perception of himself was that of a “macho man”. Despite that, the 7-time Mr. Olympia champion felt that deviating from his “tough guy” through Junior worked to his benefit. After all, his millions of fans were simply amazed to see him “cry” and “fall apart“ while depicting the hormone-triggered journey that is pregnancy. Even the director of the film, Ivan Reitman was initially uneasy about placing Schwarzenegger in the role initially.

So, to see him as a pregnant man going through the pains of motherhood was obviously made for an unexpected watch for his fans. However, for the Kindergarten Cop actor, it was this stark contrast in the preconceived notions about his personality and what was depicted in that film that “really worked” ultimately. Well, that and the fact that the Austrian Oak never shied away from a challenge, either. 

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Did you enjoy Schwarzenegger’s acting in Junior? Share your thoughts in the comments.