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Monica Barbaro recalls her unforgettable first meeting with Arnold Schwarzenegger© Getty Images

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Monica Barbaro recalls her unforgettable first meeting with Arnold Schwarzenegger

A cigar, some scotch, and his pet donkey were all involved


Maria Loreto
Senior Writer
JUNE 10, 2025 9:37 PM EDT

Arnold Schwarzenegger makes a pretty memorable first impression. Monica Barbaro recently discussed the first time she met him, a funny story that included Schwarzenegger's beloved pet donkey, Lulu

Arnold Schwarzenegger wishes he could delete one moment from his career© NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via
Schwarzenegger and Barbaro star in "FUBAR" together

In an appearance on "Late Night with Seth Meyers," Barbaro discussed the second season of "FUBAR," the series where she plays a spy and Schwarzenegger's daughter. 

"We actually met on Zoom because we were pitching the show during COVID" said Barbaro. "So I met him... He was outside his house. He had a cigar and a glass of scotch," she said, recalling every detail. "And like... his donkey came out and he was like 'Oh... Lulu wants a cookie,'" she said, deepening her voice like Schwarzenegger's and prompting laughs from the audience. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monica Barbaro are back for the second season of the series© Netflix
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Monica Barbaro are back for the second season of the series

"And he gave Lulu a cookie, and she walked away. And that's how I first met him."  

Schwarzenegger is the proud owner of multiple exotic pets. While he has some dogs named Cherry, Dutch, and Schnitzel, he also has a miniature horse named Whisky and a pig named Schnelly. 

Barbaro's dog also loves Schwarzenegger

Barbaro shared that her dog is also obsessed with Schwarzenegger© Penske Media via Getty Images
Barbaro shared that her dog is also obsessed with Schwarzenegger

Further on in the interview, Barbaro revealed that Schwarzenegger's love for animals extends to other pets on set, including Barbaro's dog, August. 

"He runs into Arnold's trailer, like before he even gets there. And Arnold and his friends show up to work and August is just sitting there expecting food." 

Barbaro revealed that Arnold is very generous with his food. "He just gives him whatever he's eating. So it's like schnitzel and like... hot dog." It's been the easiest way for August to love him. "I tried to have him on a press junket," said Barbaro, "And Auggie's just jumping on Arnold, because he's like... 'I know what it means when you're here.' And it means food." 

When asked if Auggie loves Barbaro as well, she was honest. "Not when he's around." 

Monica Barbaro's First Meeting with Arnold Schwarzenegger Involved His Donkey and a Cigar

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