‘Shake Every Hand, Kiss Every Baby’: Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Advice To Will Smith On How To Become A Star

Will Smith

Will Smith once approached Arnold Schwarzenegger asking for advice on his career.

Arnold Schwarzenegger is known is bodybuilding as being the best competitor to ever step on stage. To those outside of the sport, Schwarzenegger has many other avenues that he is known for. Schwarzenegger built a huge career on the big screen as well and this is where some could have been looking for advice, including Will Smith.

Schwarzenegger might have won seven Olympia titles over the course of his career but he is also known for his work in Hollywood. Known for The Terminator series, Schwarzenegger was one of the biggest action movie stars during his time. He served as an inspiration for many because of where he came from and what he was able to build for himself in America.

Will Smith spoke on advice that he was given from Schwarzenegger when they encountered each other during an opening of Planet Hollywood. Schwarzenegger’s advice was simple — grow your brand.

“You are not a movie star if your movies are only successful in America. You are not a movie star until every person in every country on earth knows who you are. You have to travel the globe, shake every hand, kiss every baby. Think of yourself as a politician running for the Biggest Movie Star in the World,” Arnold Schwarzenegger told will smith.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was able to tie in acting and politics. Schwarzenegger was also known for being elected the governor of California.

At the opening of this famous restaurant, Smith said he noticed Schwarzenegger having a conversation with Sylvester Stallone and Bruce Willis. Smith referred to them as the “Three Wise Men” when it comes to action movie stars. He felt like he needed to ask advice since he was looking to each that area.

At this year’s Oscars, Smith made headlines for different reasons. First, he won his first-ever Oscar for his performance in King Richard. Prior to winning the award, Smith shocked the world by slapping Chris Rock on stage after he made a joke about Smith’s wife, Jada Pinkett Smith.

If there is a well-rounded individual who can give advice in many areas, Arnold Schwarzenegger is near the top of the list. He may have made headlines over the last year or so for his strong opinions but no one can take away what he has accomplished over the course of his lifetime.

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Greg Patuto
Greg has covered the four major sports for six years and has been featured on sites such as Sports Illustrated, Fox Sports, SB Nation, NJ.com, and FanSided. Now, he is transitioning into the world of bodybuilding and strength sports.