“No Actor Out There With My Size”: Before His Leg Amputation, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Favorite Bodybuilder Was All Set to Rule Hollywood in 2019

The legendary Arnold Schwarzenegger once recognized Flex Wheeler, a former bodybuilding champion, as one of the greatest ever. In return, Ronnie Coleman, The King, described him as the best player he ever competed against. In his prime, the four-time Arnold Classic champion had one of the best physiques ever – size, conditioning, and aesthetics. He was the complete package. Besides, Wheeler was also a martial arts champion too. Given his talent in two sports, he once expressed his passion to act in movies.

Thinking of bodybuilders venturing into movies, the first individual who comes to mind is Arnold Schwarzenegger, the 7x Mr. Olympia. Wheeler faced several challenges in his personal life and health. However, Wheeler continued to reinvent himself with his indomitable spirit. In an interview in January 2019 before his leg amputation, Wheeler opened up on the prospects of a career in acting and being a good fit in the field.

Flex Wheeler planned to follow in the footsteps of Arnold Schwarzenegger

At 54 years of age, during the interview, Wheeler showed no signs of retirement. Instead, he brimmed with aspirations and goals. He expressed hope to return to bodybuilding at some point. As a martial artist, he worked to make himself an established one with some accreditation.

Speaking about his other goals, he revealed his interest in following the steps of the Terminator star, Arnold Schwarzenegger. He described acting as “one of his main goals.” Also, he stated, “There is no actor out there with my size and my name who can fight the way I can.” He revealed he had gotten some great opportunities already.

READ MORE: Bodybuilding Legend Flex Wheeler’s Struggles Prompted Him to Create a Pseudo-Identity: “Would Hurt People if They Wanted”

The icon further expressed the factor that made him a perfect fit for movies, “There is no one who was recognized as one of the greatest in the world at one sport who can lateral into another sport and be recognized worldwide. That’s what I want to bring to the stage and to the movies.”

Wheeler’s emergency leg amputation

Due to worsening circulatory vascular system problems, in October 2019, the bodybuilding legend had to undergo emergency surgery to amputate a part of his right leg. Unfortunately, it put a pause on his acting ambitions. However, months after the surgery, he got back to the gym. Besides, he resolved to get into the best shape possible before his birthday on August 23rd. A video he shared on his Instagram handle captioned “I will not be Denied,” featured Wheeler performing a leg press.

During the pandemic, Wheeler got infected with Covid-19, was hospitalized, and underwent a recovery phase for a month. Previously, Wheeler survived a fatal car crash in 1994 and a kidney transplant in 2003 due to hereditary kidney disease. He survived 40 + surgeries and other complications. Yet, he continues to inspire people with the wisdom acquired on his journey through life.

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