“Schwarzen*gger, I didn’t say that”: Before Arnold Schwarzenegger Came to the Show, Muhammad Ali Put Host in a Tricky Spot in a Hilarious Sequence

   

arnold schwarzenegger-muhammad ali

Back to the 1980s with Muhammad Ali, reminds us of the time when the former world heavyweight boxing champion appeared on Good Morning America and put David Hartman in a tricky spot. Well, it happened somewhat this way, after the host welcomed Ali on the show following his fight with Larry Holmes and informed him about Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appearance as the second guest. 

Muhammad Ali | image: srichinmoycentre.org, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

In a humorous bit, Muhammad Ali almost made the show host David Hartman question his pronunciation, after pretending to hear Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name as a slang. Ahead of the star’s appearance on the show, Ali took advantage of the situation to showcase his quick wit and make his audience crack laughing. 

Muhammad Ali’s Appearance on GMA 1980 was Marked by Humor 

In the vibrant atmosphere of 1980s television, the former world heavyweight boxing champion, Muhammad Ali proved to be more than just a formidable athlete. Appearing on an episode of Good Morning America, following his fight with Larry Holmes in Las Vegas, Ali turned out to be a master of charisma and humor. 

Welcomed on the show by David Hartman who was the host at the time, Muhammad Ali initially embraced the moment with his usual warm and engaging manner. However, as the conversation flowed and Hartman mentioned that Arnold Schwarzenegger would be the second guest, Ali hilariously put a twist on the situation.

Arnold Schwarzenegger
Arnold Schwarzenegger in True Lies (1994) | 20th Century Studios, Universal Pictures

Using his sharp intellect alongside his charm and entertainment skills, Muhammad Ali created a humorous situation. Well, right after David Hartman informed him about the star, Arnold Schwarzenegger’s appearance on the show, there appeared a twinkle in Ali’s eye and a grin that suggested that he was up to something. 

Muhammad Ali Put Host in a Tricky Situation Over Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Name 

Right after David Hartman informed Muhammad Ali about Arnold Schwarzenegger being the second guest on the show, alongside him, Ali playfully pretended to misinterpret the actor’s last name. The former world heavyweight boxing champion feigned confusion, asking Hartman if he had said “Schwarzen*gger”. 

Boxing legend Muhammad Ali | image: Knowle West Media Centre, licensed under Creative Commons Attribution 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Schwarzenegger’s here. Do you know him? Arnold Schwarzenegger. You know him? Hartman informed. 

Schwarzen*gger? Ali pretended. 

I didn’t say that, you… I didn’t say that you said that. Hartman laughed. 

Then what did you say? Ali asked. 

Arnold Schwarzenegger. Hartman clarified. 

You said Schwarzen*gger. Ali joked. 

I didn’t say that, Ali. We’ll be back in a minute with Arnold Schwarze-NEGGER. Hartman enunciated. 

Muhammad Ali’s playful pretense at David Hartman’s alleged mispronunciation brought the room to laughter. Undoubtedly the athlete’s comedic timing was impeccable, turning a simple mention of Arnold Schwarzenegger’s name into a memorable moment of humor. Thereafter, although the actor appeared on the show, Ali’s playful antics and quick wit made him a favorite guest. 

This clever bit of humor on Good Morning America not only highlighted Muhammad Ali’s sharp intellect but also his comic timing and quick wit. Thereafter, Ali’s gag on the talk show turned into a reminder of how the legendary boxer’s personality extended beyond the ring. Although he put Hartman in a tricky situation, the hilarious moment became a cherished memory for the audience.