Arnold Schwarzenegger Reveals the Hilarious Moment He Made Andre the Giant Furious!

In a 2023 interview on The Rich Eisen Show, Arnold Schwarzenegger recounted a memorable moment involving the legendary wrestler Andre the Giant that left both men—and those around them—laughing for years to come. The story stems from their time filming Conan the Destroyer in the early 1980s, when Schwarzenegger, Andre, and basketball icon Wilt Chamberlain forged a close friendship on set in Mexico City.

The Dinner That Sparked Giant Emotions

While on location, the trio frequently dined together, with Andre and Wilt sharing playful banter about who could lift the future Hollywood action star, then known for his bodybuilding titles. Schwarzenegger described how the pair loved to tease him, jokingly referring to him as a “little fly” in their massive hands.

Feeling generous after landing his first million-dollar movie deal, Schwarzenegger decided it was his turn to pick up the tab during one of their outings. Little did he know that such a gesture would not sit well with Andre, who was known for his hospitality and generosity.

“Andre the Giant was always the one who wanted to pay,” Schwarzenegger recalled. “Wilt Chamberlain was, let’s be honest, a little cheap. But Andre insisted on taking care of the bill every time.”

Determined to surprise his larger-than-life companions, Schwarzenegger secretly handed his credit card to the waiter before anyone else had a chance to settle up. However, when the bill came, Andre realized what had happened—and he wasn’t pleased.

From Frustration to Friendly Payback

“All of a sudden, Andre says, ‘No! You make me very angry, Arnold,’” Schwarzenegger said, laughing. The wrestling icon’s frustration quickly turned into a lighthearted spectacle. Andre, with the help of Wilt, decided to teach their friend a lesson—by lifting him up and carrying him out of the restaurant.

“They grabbed me and carried me outside,” Schwarzenegger said. “They put me on the roof of my car. People were freaking out. It was a very funny scene.”

A Lasting Friendship

The story serves as a testament to the camaraderie the three men shared. Despite Andre’s initial irritation, the dinner incident became a beloved memory among the trio. It showcased not only the immense physical presence of Andre and Wilt, but also their larger-than-life personalities and humor.

Decades later, Schwarzenegger continues to cherish the time he spent with his two towering co-stars, reflecting fondly on their unique friendship. The tale of that Mexico City dinner has become a legendary anecdote, capturing the enduring bond between three Hollywood—and sports—giants.