At 78, Arnold Schwarzenegger has opened up about a side of himself that fans rarely see: his long-standing rivalries with some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Behind the iconic muscles and charming smile lies a history of intense competition and personal grudges that shaped the action film landscape.
First on the list is Sylvester Stallone, a rivalry that defined the 1980s. Their feud wasn’t just about box office success; it was a deep-seated animosity that lasted over a decade. The tension ignited at the 1977 Golden Globe Awards when Stallone, expecting accolades for “Rocky,” watched as Schwarzenegger reveled in his own victory.
After losing multiple categories, Stallone reportedly threw a bowl of flowers at Arnold, marking the beginning of a bitter cold war. Throughout the ’80s, the two action stars engaged in a competition that extended beyond scripts to their physical prowess and even body counts in their films. Arnold famously mocked Stallone in “Twins,” while Stallone retaliated in “Tango & Cash.”
One of Arnold’s most cunning moves involved a disastrous script, “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot,” which he feigned interest in, leading Stallone to take the role and suffer a critical flop. Although they eventually reconciled in the 2000s, the animosity from their earlier years remains a testament to Arnold’s fierce determination to maintain his status.
Next up is Bruce Willis, whose friendship with Arnold soured into a bitter feud. In the early ’90s, the two stars were part of the Hollywood elite, but as their careers progressed, their camaraderie began to deteriorate. Reports suggest that tensions rose when Willis felt unwelcome in the “Terminator” franchise, a territory Arnold fiercely protected.
The situation escalated when Willis publicly labeled Schwarzenegger as “pathetic,” a comment that struck deep for someone who built his identity on being a winner. Their relationship went from being partners in a billion-dollar venture to two men who couldn’t stand to be in the same room, highlighting how fragile loyalty can be among Hollywood’s elite.
Jean-Claude Van Damme takes the third spot, representing a new wave of action stars that threatened Arnold’s reign. As the ’90s approached, Van Damme emerged as a charismatic competitor, showcasing not just muscles but also agility and martial arts skills that Arnold couldn’t replicate. This rivalry simmered quietly, marked by Arnold’s dismissive attitude toward Van Damme’s rising fame.
While he engaged in playful rivalry with Stallone, Arnold reportedly viewed Van Damme as a lesser competitor, maintaining a cold distance as he monitored the Belgian’s box office success. The competition was silent but intense, as Arnold sought to preserve his dominance in an industry he had worked hard to conquer.
At number four is Miriam Margolyes, whose conflict with Arnold stemmed from a 𝓈𝒽𝓸𝒸𝓀𝒾𝓃𝑔 incident on the set of “End of Days.” Margolyes has recounted a moment where Arnold allegedly farted in her face during a scene, an act she interpreted as a display of power and disrespect. This incident became emblematic of a larger issue, as Margolyes criticized Arnold’s behavior toward women on set, claiming he treated them without dignity.
Her outspoken criticism positioned her as one of the few voices brave enough to call out the superstar, leaving a lasting mark on his reputation.
Richard Gere occupies the fifth position, representing a stark contrast in personality and professional approach. While Arnold thrived in the loud, competitive atmosphere of action films, Gere embodied a more introspective and serious demeanor. Their lack of synergy reportedly led to a complete social blackout, with Arnold making a conscious effort to avoid Gere at industry events.
This silent exclusion demonstrated Arnold’s belief that if someone didn’t fit into his world, they simply didn’t exist in his eyes.
Finally, the rivalry with Sergio Oliva stands out as the ultimate test of Arnold’s physical prowess. Known as “The Myth,” Oliva was a formidable competitor who made Arnold feel small for the first time in his career during the 1969 Mr. Olympia contest.
This loss ignited a fierce animosity between the two, culminating in a legendary rematch in 1970. Arnold, realizing he couldn’t win on muscle alone, reportedly employed psychological tactics to secure his victory, forever altering their relationship.
As Arnold reflects on these rivalries, one can’t help but wonder: what other secrets lie behind the facade of Hollywood’s biggest stars?
