Arnold Schwarzenegger was featured in an unexpected selfie earlier this week. In a photo shared on Robert F. Kennedy's Instagram, Schwarzenegger smiles next to the current US Department of Health and Human Services Secretary for a workout at the iconic Gold's Gym. While the moment prompted some confusion for their followers, their relationship dates back years.
© Getty Images for 20th Century StThe image shows Schwarzenegger and Kennedy smiling for a selfie in the gym, with their arms over each other's shoulders. Both are wearing t-shirts and stand in the emblematic Gold's Gym in the background, with weights and various gym goers appearing behind them.
"Senior’s Day at Gold’s in Venice," Kennedy captioned the post.
While the two men have become notorious political figures on opposing ends, their relationship goes way back. Schwarzenegger married Maria Shriver, a prominent member of the Kennedy family, in 1986. Through their marriage, Schwarzenegger developed a close relationship with key figures in the Kennedy family, including RFK Jr. When Schwarzenegger got involved with politics, their relationship grew even stronger.
© Robert Kennedy Jr.Schwarzenegger addressed their relationship in a radio interview. "I don't agree with everything policy-wise, but I like him as a human being. I mean, he's fantastic. He was the one who sent me when I ran for governor— he was a Democrat, obviously. Now we don't know what he is. He's a mixture of Democrat and Republican, or maybe he's more Republican, I don't know," he said in a chat with Andy Cohen on Radio Andy. Back when Schwarzenegger served as governor of California, Kennedy connected him with key people who helped him devise his administration's climate policies.
"So when I ran as a Republican and a Democrat like Bobby Kennedy helps me, I said to myself that I should always be there for him. No matter if I believe in everything that he does or not, I will always support him," continued Schwarzenegger. "We've worked out together and go to the gym and stuff like that, and I always was a big supporter of his."
© AFP via Getty ImagesRFK's relationship with Schwarzenegger
RFK Jr. has also opened up about his relationship with Schwarzenegger. In 2007, when Schwarzenegger was selected as one of TIME's 100 figures, Kennedy wrote about Schwarzenegger's positive effect on environmental policy.
"Schwarzenegger believes that good economic policy, over the long term, is always the same as good environmental policy," RFK Jr. wrote.
© WireImageIs 'King Conan' Finally Happening?
While Arnold Schwarzenegger is keeping his fitness levels high with high-profile gym partners, the 78-year-old action icon is actually preparing for his most anticipated return to the big screen yet. Schwarzenegger recently confirmed to TheArnoldFans account that the long-awaited King Conan is officially a reality, with cameras set to roll next year.
The project has been a decade-long labor of love for the actor, who was determined to find a script that truly honored the gritty visual legacy of original creator Robert E. Howard and legendary fantasy illustrator Frank Frazetta.Stepping behind the camera to write and direct the epic sequel is Christopher McQuarrie, the mastermind behind the recent Mission: Impossible films.
© Corbis via Getty ImagesAccording to Schwarzenegger, the movie will explore a much older, battle-weary Conan who is far past his prime but forced to fight when enemies try to take him down. To make the project even more nostalgic for long-time fans, Arnold expressed his hope to bring John Milius, the director of the original 1982 Conan the Barbarian, on board as a producer.
