Arnold Schwarzenegger has shown a keen interest in bodybuilding from a young age. However, this passion has only increased, so much so that he proceeded to win numerous accolades in the sport. It includes seven Mr. Olympia and five Mr. Universe titles. Although Arnie retired from the sport in 1980, his love for bodybuilding has only flourished.
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
And his love for the sport is such that he lets it make some of his decisions. And in a way, he let the sport decide his future son-in-law.
What made Arnold Schwarzenegger accept Chris Pratt as his son-in-law?
Schwarzenegger continued to follow his routine gym visits even after his retirement. Moreover, he became an ardent advocate of the activity. Following his momentous victories at global contests, he became synonymous with the sport and established himself as a household name.
However, he once famously let the sport make a significant decision for him. And it involved his eldest daughter, Katherine Schwarzenegger, and her husband. When Katherine told him about dating actor Chris Pratt, the bodybuilder-turned-actor felt initially threatened by the persona of the Jurassic Park star.
But things changed once they met. The first thing Pratt asked the Austrian Oak upon introducing him to the Terminator star was if he would like to visit the gym together for a session. It impressed the former governor considerably. However, Pratt had another trick up his sleeve reserved for when they hit the gym.
And when they visited the gym together, the Guardians of the Galaxy star brought out the big guns. The actor showcased his fine workout skills, but Arnold noticed one specific routine which stuck out. Schwarzenegger narrated it in detail during an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.”
He said, “And like I just said, when I watched him make his moves in the gym, the incline press specifically did it.” The action star added, “It’s why I wanted him to become my son-in-law was the incline press.”
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
Why did Schwarzenegger feel threatened by Pratt?
In the interview, Schwarzenegger confessed that he initially felt insecure about his daughter dating the superstar. He mentioned that part of it stemmed from his competitive nature. Arnold joked that he hesitated because Pratt was taller than him and starred in bigger roles in movies.
WATCH THIS STORY- Arnold Schwarzenegger vs Sylvester Stallone Height Comparison
ADVERTISEMENT
Article continues below this ad
However, the bodybuilding legend changed his mind as soon as he saw the actor perform his workout regimen flawlessly. Perhaps, Pratt asking the former bodybuilder to hit the gym together was part of his scheme to impress his future father-in-law.