Schwarzenegger or Stallone? An actor who has worked with both points out the difference: “More than an action hero”
In a rare moment of candor, the Terminator 2 star breaks down the real difference between two of Hollywood’s most iconic action legends.

Fans have spent years debating who truly reigns supreme: Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone. The two action icons dominated the ’80s and ’90s, and their rivalry was no secret. Few actors know them both up close — but Robert Patrick does.
During a recent interview with ComicBook, while promoting season three of Tulsa King — the hit crime drama led by Stallone — Patrick finally offered his take. And he did it with the same diplomatic finesse he’s known for.
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“Stallone is more than an action hero”
Patrick didn’t hesitate to call the question “dangerous.” Then he carefully drew the line between the two megastars.
“You know, they’re two… I mean, it’s two different people you can’t really compare,” he said. “Both [are] great guys in their own right, you know. Sly is more than just an actor: he’s a writer, he’s a painter, he’s creative. You know, he’s directed. So, you know, that sets him apart, I guess.”
By highlighting Stallone’s creative range — from his screenwriting roots in Rocky to his long résumé as a director — Patrick reframed the actor as a multi-hyphenate artist rather than just a cinematic tough guy.

What makes Schwarzenegger stand out
Still, Patrick wasn’t about to leave Schwarzenegger behind.
“Arnold is Arnold, and Arnold is a great guy,” he added. “Sly is just another creative being. He’s… there’s a lot more than just ‘action star’. How’s that?… I don’t want to get myself in trouble with anybody, because I love them both, they’re great.”
With that, Patrick managed to resolve a debate decades in the making — without fanning old rivalries.
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