The Moment Arnold Schwarzenegger Was Literally Picked Up and Placed on the Roof—By Andre the Giant!

In a moment that could only be described as an absurd but hilarious instance of larger-than-life antics, Arnold Schwarzenegger found himself on the receiving end of a playful power move by none other than the legendary Andre the Giant. While Schwarzenegger’s towering frame is often the most imposing on any set, there was one film where even he was dwarfed by his co-stars—Conan the Destroyer (1984), the sequel to his breakout role as the iconic Cimmerian warrior.

Schwarzenegger, who had spent years building his physique into that of a bodybuilding icon and action star, found himself dwarfed not by one, but two towering figures: Wilt Chamberlain, the seven-foot NBA legend, and Andre the Giant, the undefeated professional wrestler who stood even taller. While Chamberlain’s character, Bombaata, was a formidable on-screen presence, it was Andre, at over 7 feet tall and well over 500 pounds, who truly outshone him in terms of size and sheer mass, both on and off the screen.

Despite his size and fame, Schwarzenegger wasn’t immune to the playful shenanigans of his co-stars. On set, Andre the Giant was known for his mischievous sense of humor, often engaging in antics that would make even the toughest of actors laugh. From mind-blowing drinking habits to flatulent moments that could stop a movie set in its tracks, Andre’s larger-than-life personality was just as massive as his physique. It wasn’t long before Schwarzenegger would experience one of these pranks firsthand.

The “Fly” Incident

Schwarzenegger, no stranger to playful banter himself, decided to “big league” Chamberlain and Andre during a dinner outing with his towering co-stars. The situation quickly turned comical when it came time to settle the bill. Schwarzenegger, having just earned his first million-dollar paycheck for his role in Conan the Destroyer, had decided to treat his dining partners, but Andre, always generous, insisted on footing the bill.

However, Schwarzenegger wasn’t going to let that happen. “Andre was the most generous. Wilt Chamberlain was cheap, right? He was always penny-pinching, but Andre always wanted to pay for the dinner,” Schwarzenegger recalled. Determined to pay, Schwarzenegger sneaked out to give the waiter his credit card. “I said, ‘Don’t let Andre or anyone pay. No matter how much he complains. I’m going to pay.’”

But the situation didn’t end there. Not ones to let their co-star get away with such a move, Andre and Wilt decided to get their revenge. And how did they exact their playful payback? By using their colossal frames to physically “carry” Schwarzenegger out of the restaurant in front of stunned onlookers.

The “Roof” Moment

As Schwarzenegger exited the restaurant, presumably thinking he had won the battle over the bill, his co-stars had other plans. With little effort, they hoisted him up and, in a move that would have been hilarious to witness, sat him on the roof of his car. As Schwarzenegger himself recalled, “People are freaking out,” and the sight of the imposing Arnold Schwarzenegger perched on the roof of his own vehicle—like a child being placed on the naughty step—was a moment seared into the memories of anyone lucky enough to witness it.

It’s difficult to imagine a more surreal scenario than seeing Arnold Schwarzenegger, often the largest man in the room, being picked up and placed atop a car by his towering co-stars. The humor of the situation only deepens when you consider how formidable these three larger-than-life figures were in their respective fields: the bodybuilding icon, the NBA legend, and the undefeated giant of professional wrestling.

A Humbling Moment for Schwarzenegger

For Schwarzenegger, this moment was one of lighthearted humility, reminding him that no matter how big he was, there were always those who could outsize him—both in stature and in personality. While Schwarzenegger’s physical dominance in the action genre is well-known, these playful moments with his fellow giants revealed the camaraderie and humor that existed behind the scenes.

The incident serves as a reminder that even the most celebrated action stars can find themselves in positions of comic absurdity, and sometimes, the true magic of Hollywood isn’t just about the big fights or epic stunts, but the joy that comes from sharing a moment of levity with colleagues. For Schwarzenegger, the time he spent with Andre the Giant and Wilt Chamberlain remains one of the most entertaining stories of his career—one that continues to delight audiences and fans alike.

In the world of Hollywood, where egos can sometimes overshadow the fun, it’s moments like these that show the true spirit of collaboration and friendship. And if there’s one thing Arnold Schwarzenegger and his fellow giants proved, it’s that no matter how big you get, you’re never too big for a little playful prank.