On the set of the movie “Conan the Barbarian,” two legends, Arnold Schwarzenegger and James Earl Jones, privately exchanged something that shaped their performances and careers forever.

While the 7-time Mr. Olympia entered Hollywood with an amazing physique. However, he knew his shortcomings. He was well aware that his acting skills needed more improvement. 

Arnold’s delivery of lines (timing) and accent were the main challenges. Instead of ignoring the problem, the bodybuilder decided to improve it.  And he managed the issue with the help of his famous actor costar, James Earl Jones. 

According to the author Kenneth Von Gunden of the 1989 book "Flights of Fancy: The Great Fantasy Films," Jones and Arnold decided to help each other because, at that time, Jones wanted to be physically fit. 

Kenneth wrote that Arnold was “Aware of fine stage actor James Earl Jones' desire to keep in shape with physical training".

He added, "Schwarzenegger worked out an equitable arrangement with him. Arnold helped him with his workouts, and Jones helped the bodybuilder with his acting, showing him different ways to read different lines.”

This partnership helped the legendary bodybuilder express emotion more clearly and also improved his timing. 

In fact, the “Austrian Oak” even worked hard. He started practising with the film’s director, John Milius. Von Gunden stated that “Every day before lunch, the director and his star would retreat to Milius' trailer, where Arnold would practice his longer monologues. By the time he had to deliver his long speeches in the film, Schwarzenegger had rehearsed them perhaps forty or fifty times.”

All his hard work paid off, and this movie helped Arnold get “Terminator,” which further helped him get his role in “Commando” in 1985.

But this was not the only time Arnold asked for guidance from anyone.

Arnold Schwarzenegger during Terminator

Although Arnold never took formal acting lessons, he never hesitated to seek guidance from people around him.

He even worked with acting coaches for specific movies, including director James Cameron.

Cameron has helped Arnold refine his performance, where complex emotions or a more detailed portrayal were required.

He once said, “When we worked on The Terminator, Arnold was more of a physical actor. He understood the importance of a commanding presence, but we worked together on making sure the character had depth. Arnold was always open to suggestions and improving his performances.”

Arnold’s zeal to learn, hard work, and teamwork made him a successful action star in Hollywood, and he never shied away from seeking advice and help from experienced personalities.

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Written by

Supradeep Dutta

Edited by

Joyita Das