All This And TV Too
While you’re used to seeing him on the silver screen, Schwarzenegger made some brief cameo appearances on TV before many of his action roles. Arnie popped up in shows like “The San Pedro Beach Bums,” “Happy Anniversary” and “Goodbye” (with Lucille Ball).
It’s curious to think that he made low-key cameo appearances considering he’s 6’3” and weighs about 235 pounds. Usually, these cameo roles go for understated, average-looking people- the exact opposite of Arnold’s look. The guy can be spotted from miles away and is far from blending in. Perhaps it was these cameo roles that got him noticed in the first place.
So You Think You Can Dance?
There is no such thing as ‘tough men don’t dance’. While we reference his film, "True Lies," it is true that, for the role, Schwarzenegger agreed to acquire an exceptional skill. He decided to take dancing lessons (specifically Tango) for a scene in the film and rehearsed for six months.
But it doesn’t end there with the dancing. Apparently, Arnie loves dancing in real life too. You have probably noticed the pics or footage of Schwarzenegger with Sylvester Stallone performing the Waltz at the Cannes Film Festival on multiple occasions. It seems like he is so devoted to acting, there's nothing Schwarzenegger won’t do.
Constant Dedication
Seeing as Arnie is one of Hollywood’s action movie legends, he is naturally going to be using a bunch of guns and swords for most of these roles. He also seems to have been very committed to all of his roles, no matter what was required. Acting with these heavy-weight weapons is no mean feat, but that didn’t stop him.
For "The Terminator," the actor made sure he was well-familiarized with weapons. He spent a month making sure he knew how to use them so that, when he was around the props, he was as natural and machine-like as, well, the machine he was playing.
Getting Behind the Scenes
It wasn't enough for Schwarzenegger to just be in front of the camera as an actor; he also took an interest in the business of film. He now has his own production company called Oak Productions (most likely paying homage to one of his nicknames).
Oak Productions has helped produce his films "Iron and Beyond," "The Last Action Hero," "Aftermath," and most recently, "Superhero Kindergarten." According to IMDb, the star has been involved in the filmmaking of a whopping 13 productions. That’s all on top of the over 80 acting accolades he has behind his name. It’s probably safe to say that he knows a thing or two about being involved in the filmmaking process.
Almost the Hulk
Though he is a hulking man, Schwarzenegger was considered for The Hulk's role in the 1970s TV series. While the muscle-manic Arnie would probably have been an impeccable fit to play the role of Dr. Banner’s abominable alter ego, surprisingly, Schwarzenegger somehow didn’t tick all of the boxes for this role.
Ironically, he was considered too short for the part, and (even more ironically) the role was won by a former bodybuilding competitor of his, Lou Ferrigno. Despite the two men’s professional rivalry, Schwarzenegger and Ferringo actually have immense respect for one another. Allegedly the two are good friends and even work out together.