#Q ORIGINAL QUESTION
Regarding the film Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), who was the most famous actor in it at the time of release, and what other notable films were they in?
#M ANNOTATED LLM RESPONSE
At the time of its release in July 1991, Arnold Schwarzenegger was undeniably the most famous actor in Terminator 2: Judgment Day. He was at the absolute peak of his career, having transitioned from a world-champion bodybuilder into the world’s biggest action movie star.
While his co-stars were respected—Linda Hamilton was well-known for the first Terminator and the TV series Beauty and the Beast, and Robert Patrick was a relatively unknown character actor—Schwarzenegger was a global icon who commanded a then-record-breaking salary (approximately $12–$15 million) for the film.
Notable Films Prior to 1991
By 1991, Schwarzenegger had a string of massive hits that defined the action and sci-fi genres of the 1980s:
- The Terminator (1984): The original film directed by James Cameron. Arnold played the villainous T-800, and it was the role that catapulted him to superstardom and gave him his most famous catchphrase, "I'll be back."
- Conan the Barbarian (1982): His true breakout role. This sword-and-sorcery epic utilized his massive physique and established him as a leading man capable of carrying a major franchise.
- Predator (1987): A landmark sci-fi action film where he played Dutch, the leader of a mercenary group hunted by an alien. It remains one of the most beloved films of his career.
- Total Recall (1990): Released just one year before T2, this Philip K. Dick adaptation was a massive sci-fi hit that further cemented his dominance at the box office.
- Twins (1988): This was a pivotal film because it proved Arnold could succeed in comedies as well as action movies. Playing the unlikely twin of Danny DeVito, it was a huge commercial success.
- Commando (1985): A quintessential 80s action movie that highlighted his "one-man army" persona, filled with over-the-top stunts and iconic one-liners.
- Kindergarten Cop (1990): Another highly successful comedy released shortly before T2, showcasing his range and appeal to family audiences.
Context of Other Cast Members
To highlight the disparity in fame at the time:
- Linda Hamilton (Sarah Connor): She was a star, primarily known for the original Terminator and her Golden Globe-nominated role in the TV series Beauty and the Beast (1987–1990). However, she was not the global "A-list" draw that Schwarzenegger was.
- Edward Furlong (John Connor): Terminator 2 was his film debut. He was discovered at a Boys & Girls Club in Pasadena and became an overnight teen sensation after the movie's release.
- Robert Patrick (T-1000): He was a "working actor" with very few credits. His most notable prior role was a small part as a terrorist in Die Hard 2 (1990). James Cameron chose him specifically because he wanted someone whose lean, lithe frame contrasted sharply with Schwarzenegger’s bulk.
#F CORRECTION FEED (CLICK TO SEARCH)
[1] Arnold Schwarzenegger was the top-billed star and a global box office draw in 1991.
[2] Linda Hamilton was well-known for the TV series 'Beauty and the Beast' (for which she received Golden Globe nominations) and the original 'Terminator'.
[3] Robert Patrick was not a household name prior to T2.
[4] Schwarzenegger received a $15 million salary (often cited as a Gulfstream jet plus cash), which was a record-breaking figure for a single film role at the time.
[5] The Terminator (1984) is correctly identified as his launchpad to superstardom.
[6] Conan the Barbarian (1982) was his first major box office hit as a leading man.
[7] Predator (1987) is a major entry in his filmography.
[8] Total Recall (1990) was a massive hit released the year prior.
[9] Twins (1988) was a major commercial success proving his comedic range.
[10] Commando (1985) is a definitive 80s action film for Schwarzenegger.
[11] Kindergarten Cop (1990) was another hit comedy released just before T2.
[12] Linda Hamilton was a star but not on the same global tier as Schwarzenegger.
[13] Edward Furlong was discovered by casting director Mali Finn at the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club; T2 was his debut.
[14] Robert Patrick played a terrorist/henchman (O'Reilly) in Die Hard 2 (1990).
[15] James Cameron explicitly stated he wanted a 'lean and light' villain to contrast with the T-800's bulk.
#C RELATED QUERIES
#01 What was the exact budget of Terminator 2 compared to Arnold's salary?
#02 Did Linda Hamilton win any awards for Terminator 2?
#03 What happened to Edward Furlong's career after T2?
At the time of its release in July 1991, **Arnold Schwarzenegger** was undeniably the most famous actor in *Terminator 2: Judgment Day*. He was at the absolute peak of his career, having transitioned from a world-champion bodybuilder into the world’s biggest action movie star.
While his co-stars were respected—Linda Hamilton was well-known for the first *Terminator* and the TV series *Beauty and the Beast*, and Robert Patrick was a relatively unknown character actor—Schwarzenegger was a global icon who commanded a then-record-breaking salary (approximately $12–$15 million) for the film.
### Notable Films Prior to 1991
By 1991, Schwarzenegger had a string of massive hits that defined the action and sci-fi genres of the 1980s:
* **The Terminator (1984):** The original film directed by James Cameron. Arnold played the villainous T-800, and it was the role that catapulted him to superstardom and gave him his most famous catchphrase, "I'll be back."
* **Conan the Barbarian (1982):** His true breakout role. This sword-and-sorcery epic utilized his massive physique and established him as a leading man capable of carrying a major franchise.
* **Predator (1987):** A landmark sci-fi action film where he played Dutch, the leader of a mercenary group hunted by an alien. It remains one of the most beloved films of his career.
* **Total Recall (1990):** Released just one year before *T2*, this Philip K. Dick adaptation was a massive sci-fi hit that further cemented his dominance at the box office.
* **Twins (1988):** This was a pivotal film because it proved Arnold could succeed in comedies as well as action movies. Playing the unlikely twin of Danny DeVito, it was a huge commercial success.
* **Commando (1985):** A quintessential 80s action movie that highlighted his "one-man army" persona, filled with over-the-top stunts and iconic one-liners.
* **Kindergarten Cop (1990):** Another highly successful comedy released shortly before *T2*, showcasing his range and appeal to family audiences.
### Context of Other Cast Members
To highlight the disparity in fame at the time:
* **Linda Hamilton (Sarah Connor):** She was a star, primarily known for the original *Terminator* and her Golden Globe-nominated role in the TV series *Beauty and the Beast* (1987–1990). However, she was not the global "A-list" draw that Schwarzenegger was.
* **Edward Furlong (John Connor):** *Terminator 2* was his **film debut**. He was discovered at a Boys & Girls Club in Pasadena and became an overnight teen sensation after the movie's release.
* **Robert Patrick (T-1000):** He was a "working actor" with very few credits. His most notable prior role was a small part as a terrorist in *Die Hard 2* (1990). James Cameron chose him specifically because he wanted someone whose lean, lithe frame contrasted sharply with Schwarzenegger’s bulk.