Arnold Schwarzenegger might be best known as a brawn-driven action star, but a recent interaction with a fan proves that he’s still all heart. The Terminator star, who reprised his iconic role as the titular character in Terminator Genisys earlier this month, was so touched by Redditor bizzyjay’s story that he reached out directly.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the fan shared a story on Reddit about how he and his 72-year-old father had always bonded over the Terminator films — in fact, Terminator 2: Judgment Day was the first movie they had ever seen together in theaters.
But, the Redditor explained, his father’s health had been deteriorating recently, to the point where he was no longer recognizable. His father did, however, agree to see Terminator Genisys in theaters together for his son’s 30th birthday.
The Redditor further recounted how his father smiled for the first time in months while watching the action flick.
Schwarzenegger, 67, caught wind of the touching story, and decided to take action by commenting directly on the Reddit chain.
“Wow. I’m in Korea on a whirlwind tour but you stopped me in my tracks,” the former governor of California wrote. “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. It was your presence and caring. Happy birthday, you’ve got a lot of wisdom for 30 years.”
In addition to the kind words, Schwarzenegger also posted a handwritten note for the father.
“I am honored that my silly smile in Terminator made you smile, but I hope you find real joy and strength in what a wonderful child you have brought into the world and raised,” he wrote.
The actor signed the one-of-a-kind note with a heart and “Arnold.”