While many celebrity workouts focus on aesthetics rather than outright strength, some actors still put up seriously impressive numbers in the gym. And considering the average experienced male gym-goer’s bench press is estimated to sit around 98kg, several of these lifts are well above what most recreational lifters will ever achieve.
Here, we’ve ranked some of Hollywood’s fittest stars by their reported bench press numbers.
The Strongest Celebrity Bench Presses1. Arnold Schwarzenegger: 227kg/500lbs
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It’s no surprise that the GOAT of lifting takes the top spot. Schwarzenegger reportedly benched a staggering 227kg at a powerlifting meet when he was just 20 years old.
While his competitive lifting career technically puts him in a different category to most actors, it’s still one of the biggest bench press numbers associated with a Hollywood star.
2. John Cena: 221kg/487lbs
WWE//Getty Images
According to The Barbell, John Cena posted a 221kg bench press in 2015. That’s just 13lbs shy of the coveted 500lb mark and a number that would earn respect in serious strength circles, not just on film sets and WWE stages.
3. Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson: 192-204kg/425-450lbs
@therock//Instagram
Of course, Dwayne Johnson sits near the top of the Hollywood strength rankings. Before becoming one of the world’s highest-paid actors, Johnson spent years in WWE, where his size and strength helped him rise to fame.
The former wrestling champion’s reported bench press sits somewhere between 192kg and 204kg.
4. Mark Wahlberg: 152kg/335lbs
Mark Wahlberg is often training before most people have had breakfast, with his alarm famously set for 4am. The discipline appears to have paid off, with reports suggesting the actor has benched 152kg.
It’s an impressive number for someone whose training has largely focused on staying in shape for filming rather than chasing powerlifting PBs.
5. Michael B. Jordan: 143kg/315lbs
Men’s Health
Michael B. Jordan’s transformation into boxer Adonis Creed required more than simply looking the part. Alongside hours of boxing training, the actor also built serious strength in the gym.
According to reports from his trainer, Jordan benched 143kg while preparing for Black Panther, helping earn him a place among Hollywood’s strongest leading men.
6. Hugh Jackman: 143kg/315lbs
IG@thehughjackman//Instagram
Jackman reportedly built up to a 143kg bench press while preparing for Wolverine. He also shared training numbers including a 186kg deadlift and a 161kg squat.
Trainer Bret Contreras has claimed Jackman could leg press more than 1,000lbs (454kg) during his peak X-Men training years.
7. Henry Cavill: 136kg/300lbs
Warner Bros.
During preparation for Man of Steel, Cavill reportedly trained under Mark Twight, with his bench press estimated at around 136kg.
The actor spent almost a year preparing for the role, combining heavy compound lifting with conditioning work.
8. Chris Hemsworth: 136kg/300lbs
@chrishemsworth//Instagram
Hemsworth’s reported bench press also reportedly sits around the 136kg mark.
The actor’s training tends to centre around dumbbell work, athleticism and conditioning, alongside heavy compound lifts to build the superhero physique that made him famous as Thor.
9. Chris Pratt: 136kg/300lbs
Disney
According to reports, Pratt’s bench press sits around 136kg.
While the exact figure hasn’t been publicly verified, it suggests the actor built considerably more than just a superhero physique during his Marvel transformation.
10. Kevin Hart: 109kg/240lbs
@kevinhartforreal//Instagram
Kevin Hart may not have the size of some of the other celebrities on this list, but his strength numbers are impressive nonetheless.
The comedian and actor has reportedly benched 109kg at a bodyweight of around 64kg, making it one of the strongest pound-for-pound lifts here.
That’s roughly 70% more than his bodyweight – a feat many lifters spend years working towards.
11. Kit Connor: 105kg/231lbs
Heartstopper actor Kit Connor might be one of the more surprising names on the list.
At just 19 years old, Connor was filmed benching 105kg. Considering his age and bodyweight, it’s a seriously impressive lift.