How Chris Pratt Won Arnold Schwarzenegger’s Heart in the Gym—and What Happened Next

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt’s relationship as father-in-law and son-in-law has evolved into a fascinating mix of shared activities, mutual respect, and unique bonding moments. Since Chris married Arnold’s daughter, Katherine, in June 2019, their connection has been strengthened by both personal and professional interactions. From playful family moments to deep mutual admiration, their dynamic offers a window into a modern, lighthearted, yet profoundly respectful family relationship.

Early Bonding: From Pumping Iron to Personal Respect

The foundation of Arnold and Chris’s relationship was solidified early on, with one of the most notable moments occurring during their first meeting. As recounted by Arnold in a 2019 Jimmy Kimmel interview, Chris, a self-professed fan of Arnold’s bodybuilding career, asked if they could work out together. “I tried to get the inside scoop on pumping iron,” Chris joked, setting the stage for a bonding session that would win Arnold’s approval. Arnold himself reflected on this moment, humorously noting that “pumping iron was the decision-making factor” in approving Chris as his son-in-law. This request, which catered to Arnold’s passion for fitness, illustrated Chris’s desire to connect on Arnold’s terms, leading to a mutual respect that has defined their relationship ever since.

This willingness to engage on Arnold’s turf created a strong initial bond between the two, one rooted in respect for each other’s passions and accomplishments.

Shared Activities: Chess, Cigars, and Quirky Family Traditions

The bond between Arnold and Chris goes beyond professional admiration and fitness. Their relationship is also shaped by unique family traditions and shared leisure activities. One such activity is playing chess, where Arnold consistently has the upper hand. In an Instagram post from July 2024, celebrating Arnold’s 77th birthday, Chris jokingly referred to “another year of chess whoopings,” showcasing the playful side of their connection.

The post also highlighted another of their shared family activities: feeding homemade cookies to barn animals. Arnold’s kitchen, according to Chris, is home to a variety of barn animals, and the family enjoys hand-feeding them cookies as a quirky bonding ritual. This fun, unorthodox detail, which was also covered by People and IMDb, speaks to the easy-going and lighthearted side of Arnold and Chris’s relationship, proving that their connection thrives on both intellectual engagement and playful, familial moments.

In addition to chess and animal-feeding, Arnold and Chris bond over smoking cigars, another relaxing, social element of their relationship. These moments of calm and camaraderie help balance out their busy lives, offering space for connection and reflection in a family dynamic that includes multiple generations.

Public Statements: Mutual Respect and Praise

Arnold has frequently praised Chris in public interviews, emphasizing not only his acting talent but also his character. In a 2019 Jimmy Kimmel interview, Arnold said, “I’m really happy that he is such a great guy. Not only a very talented guy and a great actor and a great star and all this stuff, but a really kind man and kind to my daughter, which is the most important thing for me.” This sentiment was echoed in 2024, when Arnold called Chris “fantastic” in an interview with People and expressed his happiness that Katherine had found such a supportive partner.

Chris, in turn, has expressed admiration for Arnold, particularly when it comes to parenting under public scrutiny. In a 2024 interview with Extra, Chris described having Arnold’s wisdom as a “real blessing,” noting how much he has learned from Arnold’s experiences as both a father and public figure. This exchange of respect and admiration highlights the deep bond between them, not only as father-in-law and son-in-law but also as mentors within the family.

Family Life and Values: A Shared Approach to Parenting

Arnold’s active role as a grandfather also contributes to the strength of his relationship with Chris. In an interview on The View in October 2023, Arnold praised Chris as a “really strict father” and “good husband,” reflecting the shared family values that connect them. Arnold noted that Katherine and Chris were raising their children with parenting techniques influenced by Katherine’s mother, Maria Shriver, further highlighting their aligned approach to family dynamics.

Public interactions between Arnold and Chris also offer glimpses into their lighthearted camaraderie. In a 2020 New Year’s Eve telethon on Instagram, the two joked about their roles in each other’s lives. Arnold, in a playful moment, mistakenly called Chris by another Marvel actor’s name, leading to laughter and Chris humorously correcting him. Arnold quickly referred to Chris as his “favorite son-in-law,” which was promptly corrected by Chris as his “only son-in-law,” highlighting the affectionate banter that defines their public interactions.

Conclusion: A Bond of Respect, Humor, and Shared Family Values

Arnold Schwarzenegger and Chris Pratt’s relationship as father-in-law and son-in-law exemplifies a blend of respect, shared activities, and genuine familial affection. From their early gym session to their current chess games and quirky family traditions, their bond has continued to grow and evolve. The mutual respect they share for each other’s personal and professional qualities has solidified their connection, while their lighthearted moments—such as feeding barn animals cookies and enjoying cigars together—add a playful and endearing layer to their relationship. This dynamic, rooted in both admiration and affection, paints a picture of a modern family that thrives on humor, respect, and shared values, with Arnold and Chris leading by example.