Owing to the former Governor of California’s constant advocacy against the extremities suffered in Nazi Germany, relating to the Holocaust and antisemitism, Arnold Schwarzenegger was recently honored with the inaugural Award of Courage by the Holocaust Museum L.A. He has never failed to express his appreciation for the survivors, some being his co-workers at Hollywood. 

Arnie’s 1988 blockbuster hit that earned $216.6 million was a brainchild of his, Ivan Reitman, director of the movie and co-star, Danny Devito. The trio made an exciting team and cooked up a brilliant idea that earned them millions. However, Ivan’s brave history with the Holocaust bolstered Arnie’s admiration for him, per his autobiography. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger bows down to Ivan Reitman’s excellence

According to the book, the 76-year-old actor hinted at Reitman’s historical background, having survived the clutches of the Holocaust. The notable director’s mother was a survivor of the Nazi Death Camp at Auschwitz and his father was involved in the battle against it as a resistance fighter. Soon after the war, Reitman’s family emigrated out of Czechoslovakia. 

Despite all the tumult, the late director held his spirits high, an aspect deeply admired by Arnold. “Like many children of Holocaust survivors, Ivan has incredible drive, and he’s combined this with his wonderful talent for directing and producing comedy,” he stated in Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story. 

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The Austrian star claimed that many kids who managed to survive the Holocaust led their lives with utmost zeal and courage. Besides Reitman, iconic actor Danny Devito’s commendable work also impressed Arnie. He noted Devito’s simple lifestyle regardless of his grand fame. “he’s the opposite of a crazy Hollywood personality,” Arnie wrote, while hinting at the 78-year-old star’s collection of standard cars and great family. Moreover, Reitman and Arnold’s first meeting was itself another interesting encounter. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger’s wit impressed Ivan Reitman

Revealing the details in his recently released Netflix docuseries, Arnold unraveled how he ended up bagging the blockbuster hit. The actor was skiing in Aspen, Colorado, in the year 1987, when he stumbled upon the late director. The director also featured in the series and explained that Arnie pointed at him after stepping out of the Snowmass club and said, “You’re that Ghostbusters guy, aren’t you?”.

Following this, Arnie firmly pitched himself as a fit candidate for being a ghostbuster. “That was such a clever way to let me know, I can do comedy, it’s not just action stuff,” Reitman added. Besides that, the former bodybuilder’s intellect and sense of humor earned him a corner in the director’s mind. 

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A year later came into existence one of the greatest hits of Arnie’s career, which also altered the trajectory of the trio’s business potential in Hollywood. Apart from being a fitness guru, Arnold also takes the responsibility to address critical issues that demand more attention from the world.