Robert Patrick Explains His Isolation While Filming 'Terminator 2'

Larry StansburySat, August 29, 2026 at 9:18 PM UTC

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Robert Patrick’s chilling performance as the T-1000 in Terminator 2: Judgment Day required more than learning lines and hitting marks. The actor became so committed to playing the shape-shifting assassin that he largely isolated himself from the rest of the cast.

Reflecting on the blockbuster’s 35th anniversary, Patrick told People that he felt tremendous pressure to deliver a performance that worked alongside director James Cameron’s ambitious mix of practical effects, animatronics and groundbreaking CGI.

“I kind of felt like I was in my own little world,” Patrick said. “I had my little island.”

The physically demanding role required Patrick to create a precise language for the nearly indestructible villain. He developed specific ways for the T-1000 to stand, walk, run and look at his targets, approaching every detail with the discipline of an athlete.

Patrick, now 67, viewed himself as one member of a much larger team. “I can’t let everybody down,” he remembered thinking. “I gotta do my job, and I gotta do it really well.”

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To remain in character, Patrick kept to himself and listened to industrial bands including Ministry, Skinny Puppy and Nine Inch Nails. The routine helped him preserve the T-1000’s cold, relentless energy, though it meant he wasn’t particularly social during production.

Even from his self-imposed isolation, Patrick observed his costars. He remembered Arnold Schwarzenegger as charismatic, warm, and generous with compliments. Linda Hamilton, meanwhile, impressed him with the intensity she brought to Sarah Connor.

Patrick was also amazed by Edward Furlong’s composure. Furlong was only 13 when he was cast as John Connor and thrown into the enormous production. Patrick admitted that despite being an adult, he remained afraid he might be fired.

Released in July 1991, Terminator 2 became one of the era’s defining action movies and won four Academy Awards. Patrick credited Cameron’s vision with bringing the production’s many moving parts together and said he remains grateful for the opportunity.

The film is returning to U.S. theaters from Aug. 28 through Sept. 2 in honor of its 35th anniversary.

This story was originally published by Men's Journal on Aug 29, 2026, where it first appeared in the Entertainment section. Add Men's Journal as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

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Source: “AOL Entertainment”