Read Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Reddit Response to Life-long ‘Terminator’ Fan and His Ailing Father
Arnie sends handwritten note to man suffering from dementia and schizophrenia: “I am honored that my silly smile in ‘Terminator’ made you smile”
Debbie Emery | July 2, 2015 @ 7:43 PM
Last Updated: July 3, 2015 @ 6:26 AM
Paramount
Despite playing a cold-hearted killing machine, Arnold Schwarzenegger proved that he’s a family man deep down when he sent a heartwarming message to a father and son fans.
A Reddit user wrote a long message on his 30th birthday Wednesday, saying that he was watching “Terminator Genisys” with his father, who first got him hooked on the franchise with “Terminator 2: Judgement Day” in 1991.
“That experience really sparked a love for film, the kind of passion that my dad had for them. From then on we saw a bunch of movies together along the years, including all the ‘Terminator’ movies until now, it was our franchise,” he wrote.
“My dad loved Arnold’s catchphrase ‘I’ll be back’ and he would just rewind it every time. I have only my dad to thank for my love for movies, it’s one of those things we always shared together.”
Tragically, in January his father — who had long suffered from mild dementia and schizophrenia — took a severe downward turn. As the Reddit user wrote, “he was hearing voices and acting very unusual, he wasn’t himself anymore … cursing and showing sign of aggression. He didn’t want to watch movies anymore and it really broke my heart seeing him this way. He was there but it felt like he just doesn’t want to partake in anything anymore.”
But miraculously watching “Terminator Genisys” brought him back to life a little. “I was actually surprised to see my dad enjoying it, not because it was this amazing film we never seen before but because for MONTHS he hasn’t smile, he used to be a very happy man and always had a big smile on his face. I know it may sound dumb but it felt like a miracle!
“Thank you /u/GovSchwarzenegger, for making my father smile again.”
The heartwrenching message caught the attention of over 200 commentators, none of them more touched than Schwarzenegger himself, who quickly responded.
“Wow. I’m in Korea on a whirlwind tour but you stopped me in my tracks. This is so touching. Thank you for sharing. I’d like to say ‘this is why I do this’ but you should know it was you who made your father smile,” the action star wrote. “It was your presence and caring. Happy birthday, you’ve got a lot of wisdom for 30 years.”
The actor and former California governer also attached a handwritten note to the father, telling him he was happy to make him smile again — and praising what a wonderful son he had raised.
Reddit
The writer of the original Reditt was naturally blown away by the reaction from Schwarzenegger.
“I am completely overwhelmed! So many emotions going through right now! Thank you so much/u/GovSchwarzenegger I really don’t know what to say?!” he said.
“Made me cried so much (of pure joy), we needed this. seriously, thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
TheWrap's 25 Most Anticipated Movies of 2015: From 'Fifty Shades' to 'Star Wars' and 'Spectre'
"The Last Five Years"
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2015
Anna Kendrick continues her streak of musical roles with this big-screen adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's beloved Off-Broadway hit. "Smash" alum Jeremy Jordan co-stars. Trailer
Radius-TWC
"Fifty Shades of Grey"
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2015
Jamie Dornan and Dakota Johnson's characters are set to become the next cinematic power couple in this highly anticipated adaptation of E.L. James' "mommy porn" hit. Trailer
Focus Features
"In the Heart of the Sea"
Release Date: March 13, 2015
Chris Hemsworth plays dashing first mate aboard the Essex, the real ship attacked by a giant whale that inspired literary classic "Moby Dick." Trailer
"Furious 7"
Release Date: April 3, 2015
Paul Walker rides one last time with Vin Diesel and his "Fast and Furious" family. We're eager to see how they say goodbye to Brian O'Conner. Trailer
Universal
"Avengers: Age of Ultron"
Release Date: May 1, 2015
The Avengers return -- much to everyone's delight. Admit it, including yours. Trailer
Marvel/Disney
"Pitch Perfect 2"
Release Date: May 15, 2015
Aca-awesome, the Barden Bellas are back! This time the a cappella troupe competes against international singers. High jinks ensue on a global scale. Trailer
"Mad Max: Fury Road"
Release Date: May 15, 2015
Its Comic-Con panel blew the roof off the place, and Tom Hardy, Charlize Theron and Nicholas Hoult look completely off the chain in the franchise's latest installment. Trailer
Warner Bros
"Tomorrowland"
Release Date: May 22, 2015
Brad Bird's highly secretive and highly anticipated project stars George Clooney as an inventor and rising star Britt Robertson as a teen who gets transported ... somewhere. Trailer
Disney
"Jurassic World"
Release Date: June 12, 2015
It's been way too long since there's been a "Jurassic Park" movie, and the franchise seems to be in extremely capable hands led by star Chris Pratt, who's proving to be our new favorite action hero. Trailer
Channing Tatum, Matt Bomer and Joe Manganiello in a sequel to the stripping sleeper hit "Magic Mike" that's subtitled "Double Extra Large." So, yeah, we're excited. Look out for new cast and cameos in Amber Heard, Elizabeth Banks and Donald Glover.
Warner Bros.
"Ant-Man"
Release Date: July 17, 2015
Marvel rarely misses a step, and their latest stars unlikely superhero Paul Rudd -- who pretty much guarantees cinematic hilarity. Trailer
We have not seen a single still, behind-the-scenes photo or frame of video, but with Josh Trank ("Chronicle") directing this cast, we're betting Fox gets "Fantastic Four" right this time.
"Bond 24" no more, Daniel Craig, Sam Mendes and the whole gang are back for one more James Bond romp, welcoming newcomers Christoph Waltz, Lea Seydoux and Monica Bellucci.
Getty Images
"The Martian"
Release Date: Nov. 25, 2015
It's described as a cross between "Gravity" and "Castaway" and stars Matt Damon with Ridley Scott directing. Everything about "The Martian" screams prestige.
David O. Russell and Jennifer Lawrence are back together once again, which means it's time for another wacky, outlandish, probably Oscar-nominated film, this time about the inventor of Miracle Mop.
Getty Images
"Sicario"
Release Date: TBD
Denis Villeneuve is on a roll after the one-two punch of "Enemy" and "Prisoners" and this follow-up, starring Emily Blunt as a DEA agent, seems plenty promising.
Getty Images
"Southpaw"
Release Date: TBD
Following "Nightcrawler," Jake Gyllenhaal is on quite a hot streak and totally transformed himself (again) to play a boxer in Antoine Fuqua's latest gritty drama.
"Snowtown" director Justin Kurzel does a revisionist take Shakespeare's classic with Michael Fassbender and Marion Cotillard. This one is a no-brainer.
Weinstein Copmany
"Beasts of No Nation"
Release Date: TBD
Cary Fukunaga returns to features after an incredible run on HBO's "True Detective," and he's bringing Idris Elba with him, making this a must-watch on so many levels.
Focus Features
"Dark Places"
Release Date: TBD
Amazing "Gone Girl" raised anticipation for "Dark Places," also based on a Gillian Flynn bestseller. Add Oscar-winner Charlize Theron as another dangerous and mysterious anti-heroine, and we can't wait to peel back the layers.
A24
1 of 25
Two Anna Kendrick musicals, Paul Walker’s final “Fast and Furious” and 22 more movies we can’t wait to see
"The Last Five Years"
Release Date: Feb. 13, 2015
Anna Kendrick continues her streak of musical roles with this big-screen adaptation of Jason Robert Brown's beloved Off-Broadway hit. "Smash" alum Jeremy Jordan co-stars. Trailer