Starring in one of the greatest movies is a significant privilege, and Edward Furlong knows it. Recently, Furlong spoke with PEOPLE about working alongside James Cameron on Terminator 2: Judgment Day when he was only 13, a film that launched his Hollywood career and warped his sense of the filmmaking industry.
Cameron’s classic sci-fi action sequel turns 35 this year, and as Furlong looks back on his experience with the film, he’s quick to admit that he had certain advantages as a young actor, which helped set the stage for his future, for better or worse.
“I was spoiled rotten by being able to work with Jim Cameron as like the first director that I worked with because… he really knows what he’s doing,” Furlong tells PEOPLE. “It’s like you feel safe with Jim Cameron — you know it’s going to be good.”
In addition to praising Cameron, Furlong notes that Schwarzenegger, already a major Hollywood star, was nothing but professional on set. “He just was the definition of professional… I never, ever saw Arnold complain,” Furlong admits. “He always kind of lifted the mood on set.”
Furlong also tipped his hat to Linda Hamilton, who he says helped elevate his own performance as challenges emerged. “I think she made me that much better being able to act alongside her,” he says. “I learned so much from all of them.”
“Growing up in the spotlight is really hard,” Furlong admitted to PEOPLE. “It’s tough enough as an adult to be able to navigate… just being a human being and making mistakes, and whatever, when you got a spotlight on you … it’s tough.”
The initial high of child stardom eventually gave way to years of intense personal turmoil, including struggles with drug and alcohol addiction, alongside a series of legal issues and arrests throughout the 2010s. However, after entering a recovery program in 2016, Furlong committed to changing his path, proclaiming proudly in February 2025 that he was officially seven years sober.
Thankfully, Furlong is taking an active role in his recovery and has made great strides toward remaining sober after years of feeling as if he’s slipping away. It takes a lot of courage to admit your shortcomings, then take control of your demons and cast them out.
In August, Furlong reunited with Hamilton, Michael Biehn, and Robert Patrick at a Terminator 2 convention to help celebrate the film’s 35th anniversary. It gave fans a thrill to see them all together, talking about Cameron’s masterpiece, sharing a few laughs, and basking in each other’s company. We love to see it.