Arnold Schwarzenegger believes Heaven is a 'fantasy', says: 'We won’t see each other again after we’re gone'
Arnold Schwarzenegger openly shared his honest views on the afterlife, faith, and spirituality in a one-on-one discussion with his longtime friend and fellow actor, Danny DeVito.
The legendary pair, widely recognized for co-starring in the 1988 comedy Twins, reflected on their personal lives, professional journeys, and beliefs during a conversation for Interview Magazine.
Now 77 years old, Schwarzenegger is often regarded as a man who resonates with the public and remains one of the most beloved figures in Hollywood history. However, the Austrian Oak's perspective on life after death is sure to spark debate.
While engaging in a thought-provoking discussion, DeVito—best known for his performances in Matilda and It's Always Sunny in Philadelphia—brought up the subject of the future. Without hesitation, The Terminator actor expressed his straightforward thoughts on what awaits us beyond death.
"It takes me back to when Howard Stern asked me, 'Governor, what do you think happens when we die?' My response was, 'Nothing. You’re buried six feet underground. Anyone who tells you otherwise is a f***ing liar,'" Schwarzenegger bluntly stated.
"We have no certainty about the soul or any of that spiritual stuff—it's not my area of expertise—but what I do know is that the physical form we recognize in each other now will never be seen in the same way again."
Acknowledging that discussing mortality can be unsettling, the action star admitted he finds the notion of heaven difficult to accept, referring to it as a "fantasy."
"When people say, 'I’ll reunite with them in heaven,' it’s comforting, but the truth is we won’t see each other again once we pass. That’s the heartbreaking reality. Some individuals are at peace with the idea of death, but I’m not," he confessed.
Having witnessed the passing of many close friends in the bodybuilding world, Schwarzenegger has shaped his own interpretation of what heaven means. "For me, heaven is the place I hold for someone I deeply care about—someone kind, compassionate, and who has positively impacted my life and the lives of others," he elaborated.
"I keep them in a special place in my mind, like a front-row seat reserved for my dearest friends. Whenever I think of them, it brings me warmth and joy."
The Terminator star’s candid take on death is particularly surprising, given his past remarks about his Catholic upbringing.
In a 2021 interview, Schwarzenegger reflected on his religious background and early education within the Catholic Church.
"I was raised in the Catholic faith, attending church consistently and going to Catholic schools. I studied the Bible and learned the principles of catechism," he shared in a YouTube video.
"One phrase from my childhood still stays with me today: ‘a servant’s heart.’ It represents dedicating oneself to something greater than personal gain."
At the time, Schwarzenegger made those remarks while urging elected officials to embody the values he had been taught in his youth, emphasizing:
"What we truly need from those in public office is a heart dedicated to service.
"We need leaders who prioritize something beyond their own authority or political affiliations. We need representatives who uphold the noble principles on which this nation was founded—the ideals that serve as an inspiration to others around the world."
