“That Is the Austrian Hug”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Once Got in Trouble for Sneaking Up on His Co-Star’s Sister

Arnold Schwarzenegger became an action cinema icon during the 1980s. After starring in movies like The Terminator (1984) and Predator (1987), Schwarzenegger’s fame exploded. Hence fans became excited when the bodybuilding icon announced he would star in the sequel to the 1984 movie. Despite production troubles, Terminator 2: Judgement Day became the biggest hit of Arnie’s career and shattered box-office records. While appearing on The Late Show with David Letterman in 1991, Schwarzenegger revealed a lesser-known incident on the set of T2.

During their conversation, the former Mr. Olympia praised his co-star, Linda Hamilton. The bodybuilding icon praised her for getting into phenomenal shape for the role. While Letterman agreed, he reminded the Hollywood star about the incident involving Hamilton’s sister. Schwarzenegger’s response made everyone laugh.

Arnold Schwarzenegger explained the unforeseen mishap

David Letterman told the former bodybuilding champion, “She (kinda Hamilton) told some story about you sneaking up on her sister and causing trouble.” However, The Terminator actor didn’t hesitate to respond. “That this is the Austrian hug, where we sneak up from behind…” said Schwarzenegger. Hearing his answer, Letterman and the audience in attendance burst out laughing. 

However, the legendary talk show host said, “I know what you actually did. It wasn’t one of these, ‘excuse me miss’. It wasn’t one of those.” Schwarzenegger responded with, “No, no, we (Austrians) go all out.” The bodybuilding icon also explained that he didn’t realize it was not Hamilton but her twin sister. “They look exactly alike,” said Arnie

READ MORE | “Linda Hamilton Is a Leading Woman”: Arnold Schwarzenegger Once Gave Fan a Befitting Reply for Accusing Terminator Franchise of ‘Piggypacking Off’ on Their Female Lead

Regardless the Hollywood action icon got into trouble for his “Austrian hug.” The seven-time Mr. Olympia hinted he might have had to endure the punishment. “I don’t mind sleeping in a garage,” revealed Schwarzenegger before Letterman announced a commercial break.

Linda Hamilton had qualms about working with the Austrian Oak

Decades later, Schwarzenegger and Hamilton starred in Terminator: Dark Fate (2019). While promoting the movie, the duo appeared on The Graham Norton Show. Hamilton revealed she got the offer to star in the 1984 movie but didn’t look forward to working with the former Mr. Olympia. However, Arnie wasn’t at fault.

“I was a snotty New York Actress you know,” Hamilton told Norton. In 1984, Hamilton was training under renowned theater director Lee Strasberg. She also had the impression that LA movies “sucked” and had no idea who Schwarzenegger was. Little did she know they would become one of action cinema’s most iconic duos.

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