Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger
5.9
Arnold Schwarzenegger photo 1 Arnold Schwarzenegger photo 2 Arnold Schwarzenegger photo 3 Arnold Schwarzenegger photo 4
Comments (5)
Name:
Arnold Schwarzenegger
Who is:
, , bodybuilder
Birth date:
(77 y.o.)
Place of birth:
Thal, Styria, Austria
Height:
6'2 ft ()
Weight:
243 lb (110 kg)
Namesakes:
Birth Sign:
(characteristic)
Chinese zodiac:

Photos: Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold Schwarzenegger photo 1
Arnold Schwarzenegger photo 2
Arnold Schwarzenegger photo 3
Arnold Schwarzenegger photo 4
+12 Photos

Arnold Schwarzenegger Biography

Arnold Alois Schwarzenegger is a well-known American actor of Austrian descent, a renowned bodybuilder, and a Republican politician. He gained fame playing the lead role in the "Terminator" film series, as well as starring in "Conan the Barbarian", "The Running Man", "True Lies", "Twins", "Junior", and others. He is a five-time "Mr. Universe" and seven-time "Mr. Olympia". In 2003, he became the 38th Governor of California.
Arnold Schwarzenegger – a bodybuilding and cinema legend
Arnold Schwarzenegger – a bodybuilding and cinema legend
Arnold Schwarzenegger enjoys worldwide fame and love. He has been honored with numerous sports, film, and other awards. In 1987, his name was added to the Hollywood Walk of Fame for his contribution to the film industry.
He achieved popularity through his relentless self-improvement
He achieved popularity through his relentless self-improvement
In 2002, there were plans to erect a Terminator statue at the house where Iron Arnie was born, but the actor himself requested they not do so. Nine years later, a Schwarzenegger museum was opened there. A statue of the actor was eventually erected — its unveiling took place in October 2014, timed to coincide with the annual bodybuilding festival "Arnold Classic" (Columbus, Ohio).
Inside the Schwarzenegger Museum, Thal village
Inside the Schwarzenegger Museum, Thal village
A rare insect living in Costa Rica, the Agra schwarzeneggeri beetle, was named after the actor. The Arnold computer graphics visualization program and the ArnoldC programming language, which uses Schwarzenegger quotes as commands, were also named after him.

In April 2017, Schwarzenegger's environmental activities were recognized with the rank of Commander of the French Legion of Honor.

Childhood and School Years

Arnold Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947, in the small village of Thal, near Graz in Austria, to Gustav Schwarzenegger (1907–1972) and Aurelia Schwarzenegger, née Jadrny (1922–1998). The family was Catholic.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's childhood photo
Arnold Schwarzenegger's childhood photo
After the Anschluss of Austria in 1938, Gustav Schwarzenegger became a member of the Nazi party. He served in World War II but wasn't personally involved in war crimes, and after the war, he was appointed as the local police chief.
The room where Arnold Schwarzenegger had a harsh childhood
The room where Arnold Schwarzenegger had a harsh childhood
The family lived in poverty, and the children started doing farm work from an early age: they milked cows, carried water, and chopped wood. Arnold and his older brother Meinhard were raised strictly, with corporal punishment being common. According to Arnold, "if we did something wrong, our parents didn't spare the rod." His father also suspected his wife of infidelity and feared that Arnold wasn't his biological son. So he always clearly favored his oldest son Meinhard, leaving Arnold to "be strong" and secretly dream of a better future.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's parents: Gustav and Aurelia
Arnold Schwarzenegger's parents: Gustav and Aurelia
At school, Arnold was an average student, but teachers noticed his "kind nature, cheerful character, and boundless energy." His father always insisted that his sons get heavily involved in sports, and under his pressure, Arnold started training in several disciplines. He was best at playing football.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's school photo
Arnold Schwarzenegger's school photo
At 14, his football coach took him to a gym in Graz. The moment Arnold lifted the barbell for the first time, he immediately switched from football to bodybuilding. "I was a skinny kid, but thanks to years of sports, I was well-developed and could jump right into strength training," he recalled. His passion for bodybuilding was fueled by his idols, bodybuilding actors Reg Park and Steve Reeves, whom he regularly went to the local cinema to watch.
Schwarzenegger's first training equipment
Schwarzenegger's first training equipment
Arnold started hitting the gym daily, and on weekends when the place was closed, he'd break in through the window and train even harder.
If I missed a workout, I felt sick. The next day, I just couldn't look at myself in the mirror.
At 15, Arnold became seriously interested in the connection between the mind and the body: he wondered if it was possible to enhance the effect of workouts by properly tuning the mind. To find out, he began studying psychology. At 17, Arnold participated in a bodybuilding competition in Graz for the first time and took second place.

First Successes in Bodybuilding

In 1965, 18-year-old Schwarzenegger was drafted into the Austrian army where he gladly went, seizing the opportunity to finally escape his parental home. To Arnie's delight, he was assigned to the tank troops. He was drawn to these massive, powerful machines, and tank drivers got licenses to operate any vehicle - motorcycles, tractors, you name it.
18-year-old Schwarzenegger demonstrates physical fitness (1965)
18-year-old Schwarzenegger demonstrates physical fitness (1965)
Schwarzenegger's service didn't exactly benefit the armed forces - by Arnie's own admission, he managed to inflict serious damage on the army. A sunken tank, a punctured hangar wall, nighttime hill races - just some of his military "achievements." Nevertheless, the determined young man continued to train every day, setting up a gym in the barracks. To keep training during marches, he built a makeshift barbell from whatever he could find and stashed it in the tank.

It was only during his army service that Arnold started eating meat daily for the first time, and in combination with constant training, the results were dramatic: his muscle mass exploded so rapidly that he needed new military uniforms every three months.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in the army
Arnold Schwarzenegger in the army
During his military service, Arnold entered his first international bodybuilding competition - the "Mr. Europe" contest, where he claimed first place in the junior division. Unfortunately, competing meant going AWOL, and when he returned to base, he was immediately thrown into solitary confinement. But when army brass learned about his victory just a week later, they not only released him from punishment but rewarded him with a two-day pass.
Young Arnold Schwarzenegger at a bodybuilding competition
Young Arnold Schwarzenegger at a bodybuilding competition
When Arnold was discharged from the army in 1966, he chose not to return to his small hometown and headed to Munich instead. There he kept chasing his bodybuilding dreams while making ends meet as a fitness club trainer. He even slept at the gym some nights since he couldn't afford rent. That same year, Arnold boarded his first airplane ever, bound for London and the "Mr. Universe" contest. He was hoping to maybe crack the top six or seven, but shocked everyone by placing second, losing only to the legendary Chet Yorton.
Arnold Schwarzenegger at 'Mr. Universe' in 1966 and 1967
Arnold Schwarzenegger at 'Mr. Universe' in 1966 and 1967
Competition judge Charles Bennett was so blown away by this promising young athlete that he offered to become Arnold's personal trainer. Since the broke young bodybuilder had nowhere to go, Bennett took him into his London home, even displacing his own family. Training sessions followed a refined program, while Arnold soaked up English like a sponge.
How To Train For Mass - Arnold Schwarzenegger's Blueprint Training Program
Most importantly, the Bennett family was where Arnold first felt truly valued as a person. "The Bennett family gave me what I desperately needed. I was everything to them... They understood I needed their support, care, and love," Schwarzenegger fondly recalled. During his stay with the Bennetts, Arnold met his childhood hero, Reg Park, who became both friend and mentor.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and his idol Reg Park
Arnold Schwarzenegger and his idol Reg Park
All that training paid off big time: in 1967, Arnold Schwarzenegger captured his first "Mr. Universe" title, becoming the youngest champion in the competition's history at just 20 years old. He then returned to Munich for a year, working at a sports club while taking business management courses, before heading back to London in 1968 to claim his second "Mr. Universe" crown.
1967: Schwarzenegger became the youngest Mr. Universe
1967: Schwarzenegger became the youngest Mr. Universe

Moving to the USA

From childhood, Arnold dreamed of making it to America, and his bodybuilding career gave him this opportunity. He made the move in September 1968 at age 21, settling in California.
With mom
With mom
Records suggest Schwarzenegger lived in the USA illegally for a time—his initial visa didn't cover long-term residency, and securing a new one took a while. But this didn't stop him from pursuing his passion and breaking into the pro bodybuilding scene. He worked to learn every trick of the trade from his peers, and after each competition, he'd boldly approach judges to ask what went wrong and how he could get better.
Schwarzenegger became Mr. Universe 5 times
Schwarzenegger became Mr. Universe 5 times
Arnold first entered the "Mr. Olympia" competition in 1969 but lost to three-time champion Sergio Oliva. But the next year, he pulled off a win and at 23 became the youngest "Mr. Olympia" in competition history—a record that still stands today. Schwarzenegger later admitted that during this era, like many athletes, he used anabolic steroids—but once he learned about their health risks, he quit cold turkey.
Arnold Schwarzenegger at 'Mr. Olympia' in 1969 and 1970
Arnold Schwarzenegger at 'Mr. Olympia' in 1969 and 1970
The victories kept coming, and Arnold dominated "Mr. Olympia" for six straight years. During this same stretch, he also claimed the "Mr. Universe" title four more times, and in 1970, Arnold finally beat his idol and mentor Reg Park.
Schwarzenegger's youth is called the golden era of bodybuilding
Schwarzenegger's youth is called the golden era of bodybuilding
After winning "Mr. Olympia" again in 1975, Arnold Schwarzenegger announced his retirement from professional competition. But he couldn't resist one final comeback in 1980—while training for "Conan the Barbarian," he got into such incredible shape that competing in "Mr. Olympia" again was a no-brainer, and he won.
'Mr. Olympia' in 1974 and 1975
'Mr. Olympia' in 1974 and 1975

Career in Cinema

Arnold Schwarzenegger began his film career in 1970, like many famous bodybuilders before him, including his idols Reg Park and Steve Reeves. Initially, directors were hesitant to cast him due to problems such as his strong accent, overly bulky physique that looked unnatural on screen, and a surname that was too difficult for Hollywood.
A still from the movie 'Hercules in New York'
A still from the movie 'Hercules in New York'
Arnold's film debut was the lead role in "Hercules in New York" (1970). Due to his accent, all the hero's lines were dubbed by another actor, and he was credited under the pseudonym Arnold Strong. Schwarzenegger would later call this film his worst acting experience.
Hercules in New York (1969)
In his second and third films, "The Long Goodbye" (1973) and "Stay Hungry" (1976), his accent wasn't a problem since his character was mute. Critics were lukewarm about these performances, calling Arnold a lumbering giant who moved like an animal. Arnold then threw himself into fixing these problems, taking acting lessons and speech classes, and working hard to lose his accent. Soon after, he appeared in the bodybuilding documentary "Pumping Iron" (1977) and several obscure films.
A still from the movie 'Stay Hungry'
A still from the movie 'Stay Hungry'
During this period, Schwarzenegger was generally happy with his life, but he still struggled with self-confidence. A friend taught him transcendental meditation, and within a couple of weeks, Arnold learned to completely relax and quiet his mind, finding focus and inner peace. He practiced meditation every day for a whole year, and then felt that he no longer needed it: he'd learned to tackle problems one at a time instead of letting them pile up.
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan the Barbarian
Arnold Schwarzenegger as Conan the Barbarian
Schwarzenegger's success as a film actor came after the release of "Conan the Barbarian" (1982) and its sequel "Conan the Destroyer" (1984). Audiences loved the image of an unstoppable ancient warrior who battled dark sorcerers, tamed wild beasts, and conquered women, and Schwarzenegger was finally recognized as a superstar. Even though critics dismissed him as a "boring hunk of meat with a sharp sword," he became a hero to countless young fans.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in his youth
Arnold Schwarzenegger in his youth
When the sci-fi action film "The Terminator" (1984) was released, his iconic cyborg assassin from the future was so unforgettable that "terminator" entered everyday language. Schwarzenegger cemented his image as the strong, silent type - a lone hero in action and sci-fi movies, and presented himself in such roles to the audience in successful films like "Commando" (1985), "The Running Man" (1987), "Predator" (1987), "Red Heat" (1988), and "Total Recall" (1990).
A still from the first 'Terminator'
A still from the first 'Terminator'
But the silent muscle-bound persona eventually started weighing on Arnold – he wanted to prove he was a capable actor who could do so much more. With that goal in mind, he dove into comedies – and turned out to be surprisingly natural at them. The first comedy featuring Arnold Schwarzenegger was "Twins" (1988), where he was paired with the brilliant Danny DeVito. Remarkably, Arnold completely refused a salary for the film – he was so thrilled by the chance to show a completely different side of himself.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito on the set of 'Twins'
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito on the set of 'Twins'
This was followed by equally successful comedies "Kindergarten Cop" (1990), "True Lies" with Jamie Lee Curtis (1994, the film earned the actor two Golden Globes for Best Dance and Best Kiss), "Junior" with Danny DeVito and Emma Thompson (1995, the film earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Male Role), and "Jingle All the Way" with James Belushi (1996). In the film "Last Action Hero" (1993), Schwarzenegger brilliantly played a parody of himself, and also made his debut as a producer.
In the movie 'Junior', Schwarzenegger's character got pregnant
In the movie 'Junior', Schwarzenegger's character got pregnant
In his 90s action movies, subtle humor and self-irony started creeping into his performances, making his characters much more vibrant. This was especially true with his role as the "good" robot in "Terminator 2: Judgment Day" (1991) – widely considered the standout film of the series, earning him the MTV Movie Award for Best Male Role and the Saturn Award for Career Achievement. Quotes from "Arnie" went around the world: "Hasta la vista, baby!" and "I'll be back."
Terminator 2: Judgement Day Best Scenes
Schwarzenegger became an absolute favorite with both audiences and critics, and newspapers hailed him as the most famous immigrant who "overcame his thick Austrian accent and broke free from bodybuilding's limiting image to become the biggest star in world cinema during the 90s."
The cold-blooded cyborg Terminator – Schwarzenegger's best role
The cold-blooded cyborg Terminator – Schwarzenegger's best role
At the turn of the 1990s and 2000s, several more films were released: "End of Days" (1999), "The 6th Day" (2000), and "Collateral Damage" (2002). Though these films received a more lukewarm reception overall, Arnold's performances still showed remarkable brightness and depth. In 2003, the long-awaited sequel "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines" was released, which broke box office records. After that, 56-year-old Arnold Schwarzenegger announced he was leaving the film industry to launch his political career. Even in the fourth "Terminator" ("Terminator Salvation", 2009), only a digital image of the actor was used, and that too sporadically. He made one exception to shoot a scene in Sylvester Stallone's "The Expendables" (2010), somehow managing to squeeze it in while serving as California's governor. "The Expendables" gathered a truly unique star cast: Sylvester Stallone, Jason Statham, Dolph Lundgren, Mickey Rourke, Jet Li, Bruce Willis and others.
'The Expendables': Schwarzenegger returned to cinema after a break
'The Expendables': Schwarzenegger returned to cinema after a break
Upon completing his gubernatorial term in January 2011, Schwarzenegger was flooded with new scripts and acting offers, including requests for a new "Terminator" and remakes of "Predator" and "The Running Man". However, he first agreed to voice the main character in the animated series "The Governator", and then starred in a small role in the action film "The Expendables 2" (2012), which added Jean-Claude Van Damme to the star-studded cast from the first film.
Stan Lee from Marvel wanted to make a comic about Schwarzenegger – The Governator
Stan Lee from Marvel wanted to make a comic about Schwarzenegger – The Governator
Arnold's first major role after his return to movies was in the action film "The Last Stand" (2013), co-starring with Forest Whitaker. That same year, another joint film with Sylvester Stallone was released - "Escape Plan", and in 2014 - the film "Sabotage". A little later, the film "The Expendables 3" was released, which added Antonio Banderas to the cast. However, for his role in the latest "Expendables", Arnold Schwarzenegger, like Mel Gibson and Kelsey Grammer, was nominated for a Golden Raspberry Award in the category "Worst Supporting Male Role".
Arnold Schwarzenegger about The Expendables
In 2015, a new film from the series, "Terminator: Genisys", was released. The film jumps between different time periods, and the titular character appears to the viewer at different ages. So while Schwarzenegger appeared in the film, actor Brett Azar played the young Terminator in some scenes, whose face was digitally overlaid with the face of a young Arnold. The role of Sarah Connor was played by Emilia Clarke.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Emilia Clarke at the premiere of the fifth 'Terminator'
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Emilia Clarke at the premiere of the fifth 'Terminator'
In the spring of 2017, the premiere of the film "Aftermath" took place, which saw Arnold Schwarzenegger dramatically transform his acting approach once again. The film is based on real events (the Vitaly Kaloyev case) and tells the story of a collision between a passenger and cargo plane over Lake Constance.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie 'Aftermath'
Arnold Schwarzenegger in the movie 'Aftermath'
Schwarzenegger played the tragic role of a husband and father who lost his family in this disaster and sought revenge against the person responsible. Critics generally received the work positively: "... Schwarzenegger is quite convincing, playing an unimaginably unhappy man. His character lost both of his closest people in one moment and lost the meaning of life. Schwarzenegger's still palpable power creates an interesting contrast with the helplessness of his character, who can do nothing to bring his wife and daughter back."

In 2017, the actor took over as host of NBC's reality show "The Apprentice" – a program where celebrities compete to raise money for charity.

The project "Triplets," a sequel to the movie "Twins," has been announced. This time, Eddie Murphy will join Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as the third unlikely twin. However, production details haven't been released yet.

In 2018, filming began on the sixth "Terminator" film, directed by James Cameron – who created the first two movies in the franchise. Linda Hamilton returned as Sarah Connor at age 60, alongside an older Edward Furlong. Schwarzenegger himself didn't play a cyborg this time, but rather the human who served as its prototype. The movie "Terminator: Dark Fate" premiered in 2019.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in 'Terminator: Dark Fate'
Arnold Schwarzenegger in 'Terminator: Dark Fate'
In 2020, Arnold Schwarzenegger provided voice work for the animated film "Superhero Kindergarten." In one episode, he voiced his own cameo appearance. The actor also lent his voice to the President in the animated film "Kung Fury 2".
Schwarzenegger in his youth and now
Schwarzenegger in his youth and now

Politics

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Republican Party membership sets him apart in Hollywood, where most actors lean Democratic. But his views are notably centrist, more liberal than traditional Republican positions on many issues. For example, he is against the abortion ban and was critical of the war in Iraq. He's also been a consistent supporter of the Kyoto Protocol on greenhouse gas emissions and advocates for unrestricted stem cell research.
Schwarzenegger holds conservative views
Schwarzenegger holds conservative views
In 2003, the actor was elected governor of California, becoming the first governor of an American state born outside the United States since 1862. While he was undoubtedly the most famous candidate in the race, he had zero political experience.
Schwarzenegger is sworn in as the new Governor of California
Schwarzenegger is sworn in as the new Governor of California
His campaign was a media circus. The press dubbed him "The Governator" (mixing "governor" and "terminator"), called him "The Running Man," and jokingly compared his gubernatorial run to filming "Terminator 4: Rise of the Candidate" (a play on "Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines"). When protesters pelted him with eggs during a campaign speech, he coolly quipped, "Too bad they didn't bring bacon."
Schwarzenegger was pelted with eggs during the election campaign
Schwarzenegger was pelted with eggs during the election campaign
Five days before the election, opponents launched a smear campaign, with six women immediately coming forward with sexual harassment allegations. By election eve, fifteen women had made accusations, and his poll numbers tanked. Incumbent Governor Gray Davis demanded that "Arnold Schwarzenegger must answer these accusations in detail and not resort to evasive statements and semi-denials."
Black PR did not interfere with his campaign
Black PR did not interfere with his campaign
The actor apologized to anyone he may have offended, then fired back: "Isn't it strange that three to four days before the election, suddenly all these women are demanding apologies?" Former co-stars like Linda Hamilton and Jamie Lee Curtis rallied to defend him, and the public bought "Iron Arnie's" innocence. Once in office, he hired a private detective to investigate what he believed were orchestrated accusations.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife celebrate their election victory
Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife celebrate their election victory
Schwarzenegger became Governor after voters recalled Gray Davis, whose administration had been plagued by financial and energy crises. He immediately slashed spending and famously refused his $175,000 gubernatorial salary. In 2006, he was re-elected to this position.

As a Republican early in his political career, Schwarzenegger opposed same-sex marriage. However, after extensive public debate, he changed his stance and began advocating for full marriage equality. His famous statement "I swore to defend the Constitution of the United States, and a ban on same-sex marriage contradicts it" resonated widely and helped pave the way for marriage equality nationwide.
Arnold Pranks Fans as the Terminator
Tackling the economic crisis proved incredibly challenging, with the public rejecting every proposed austerity measure: tax increase attempts failed at referendum, and unions fought back against civil service cuts. Budget battles erupted every year, and the 2008 global financial crisis hit California especially hard.
The governor successfully fought the consequences of the crisis
The governor successfully fought the consequences of the crisis
This likely explains why Governor Schwarzenegger's approval rating, which hit a record 89% shortly after taking office, plummeted to just 23% by his second term's end. In 2011, he left office at the end of his second gubernatorial term, since California's Constitution bars third consecutive terms. Arnold Schwarzenegger actively champions the Special Olympics movement - athletic competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. He delivered an official speech at the 2007 World Special Olympics in Shanghai.
Schwarzenegger about Trump and his supporters
In 2012, he launched the Schwarzenegger Institute for State and Global Policy at USC. He was motivated by the belief that politicians need to transcend party lines. The institute functions as a think tank promoting centrist positions that bridge Republican and Democratic viewpoints - much like Schwarzenegger's own political philosophy. He initially donated $20 million of his own money to launch the institute and later secured additional funding.
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Donald Trump
Arnold Schwarzenegger and Donald Trump
During the 2016 presidential campaign, he backed Republican John Kasich's candidacy. But when fellow Republican Donald Trump secured the nomination instead of Kasich, Schwarzenegger announced he wouldn't vote for him. It marked the first time since gaining U.S. citizenship in 1983 that he refused to back the Republican nominee.
There are persistent rumors that Arnold Schwarzenegger may run for President of the United States. At present, this is ruled out because the US Constitution states that only a person born in the country can become President.

Business

Along with acting and politics, Arnold Schwarzenegger has also achieved significant success in business. He started his own business in 1968 when he and his bodybuilding partner, Franco Columbu, established a bricklaying team. The business took off after the 1971 San Fernando earthquake created a construction and restoration boom. Schwarzenegger and Columbu reinvested their profits into a new venture – selling bodybuilding and fitness equipment plus instructional tapes through mail order.
Schwarzenegger had a construction business in his youth
Schwarzenegger had a construction business in his youth
Later, Arnold pooled all his business earnings and prize money to make his first investment in residential construction. This paid off handsomely, and he became a regular investor in several real estate holding companies. He credits Donald Trump as one of his business investment mentors. But Schwarzenegger didn't stop there – he also earned a bachelor's degree in economics from the University of Wisconsin in 1979.
Arnold Schwarzenegger in ballet class
Arnold Schwarzenegger in ballet class
Since 1989, Schwarzenegger has been hosting his own "Arnold Sports Festival" in Ohio, drawing thousands of industry professionals to this massive event. From 1992 to 1998, he owned the restaurant "Schatzi" (German for "treasure") in Santa Monica, but later sold it.
Athlete, actor, and businessman
Athlete, actor, and businessman
Most of Schwarzenegger's finances are handled through his own company, "Oak Productions," which collects his film royalties and percentages from video game sales, comics, and more. The actor and politician's net worth is estimated to be over 900 million US dollars.
A scene from the movie 'Viy 2: Journey to China'
A scene from the movie 'Viy 2: Journey to China'

Arnold Schwarzenegger's Personal Life

Arnold's brother Meinhard Schwarzenegger died in a car accident in 1971. Arnold was unable to attend his funeral due to visa issues, but he began financially supporting his nephew.
Schwarzenegger's brother Meinhard (left) died in a car accident
Schwarzenegger's brother Meinhard (left) died in a car accident
He also skipped his father's funeral in 1972, later offering at least three different explanations: he couldn't interrupt his training, he wasn't informed in time, and he was supposedly hospitalized with a broken leg. The real reason was likely that father and son had never shared any warmth. Arnold has repeatedly stated, "What my father did to me is now called child abuse."

When it came to relationships with women, young Schwarzenegger genuinely viewed sex as simply "one of the functions of the body." He was often bluntly direct, propositioning women, and many were drawn to the muscular heartthrob.
The famous bodybuilder had no shortage of female attention
The famous bodybuilder had no shortage of female attention
Everything changed in 1969 when he met his first love - Barbara Outland Baker, a teacher. The relationship lasted until 1974, when the couple broke up: Barbara wanted to build a "normal and strong" family, but Arnold wasn't ready for that commitment.
Barbara Baker - Arnold Schwarzenegger's first love
Barbara Baker - Arnold Schwarzenegger's first love
In 1975, he started dating hairdresser Sue Moray, whom he'd met on the beach. According to her, they had an "open" relationship: "While we were together in Los Angeles, we stayed faithful to each other... but if he traveled somewhere, we each had the right to do whatever."

In August 1977, Schwarzenegger started dating Maria Shriver, a television journalist and niece of President John Kennedy, who was assassinated in 1963. He chose between the two women only a year later when Sue gave him an ultimatum and he chose Maria.
The wedding of Schwarzenegger and Shriver
The wedding of Schwarzenegger and Shriver
Despite this, Arnold continued to see other women for a while, particularly actress Brigitte Nielsen, his partner in the film "Red Sonja". "If he had told me he was going to marry Maria, I wouldn't have gotten involved," she admitted in an interview, "But he didn't say anything like that, and I thought, why not".
The actor was dating Brigitte Nielsen
The actor was dating Brigitte Nielsen
The marriage between Maria Shriver and Arnold Schwarzenegger took place on April 25, 1986. This connection to one of America's most powerful political families likely sparked the actor's own political ambitions.
In the photo: Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver
In the photo: Arnold Schwarzenegger and his wife Maria Shriver
The couple had four children. The eldest daughter is Katherine Eunice Schwarzenegger (born December 13, 1989). Christina Maria Aurelia Schwarzenegger was born on July 23, 1991. Two years later, on September 18, 1993, the actor's first son, Patrick Schwarzenegger, was born. The youngest child of the couple was Christopher Sargent Shriver Schwarzenegger (born September 27, 1997).
Katherine Schwarzenegger, Arnold Schwarzenegger's eldest daughter
Katherine Schwarzenegger, Arnold Schwarzenegger's eldest daughter
Schwarzenegger was a loving but demanding father: he'd wake his kids at 6 AM, make them take cold showers and work out, and insisted on complete discipline in everything.
Arnold Schwarzenegger with his daughter Christina
Arnold Schwarzenegger with his daughter Christina
Until his governorship ended in 2011, he appeared to be the perfect husband and father publicly, but that picture-perfect image shattered right after the couple celebrated their 25th wedding anniversary.
Patrick Schwarzenegger
Patrick Schwarzenegger
First, Maria took all four children out of the marital home and moved to the Kennedy mansion, and two days later Arnold officially announced their decision to separate.
Christopher Schwarzenegger
Christopher Schwarzenegger
Even more shocking, it emerged that the actor had fathered a son, Joseph Baena, with their housekeeper Mildred Baena - Joseph was born on October 2, 1997, making him 10 years old at the time. She'd worked in the Schwarzenegger-Shriver household for 20 years and had been his mistress for at least 14 of them.
Joseph Baena - Arnold Schwarzenegger's illegitimate son
Joseph Baena - Arnold Schwarzenegger's illegitimate son
Maria figured it out herself when Joseph started looking more and more like his biological father as he grew up. "I understand and deserve the condemnation and anger of my friends and family. There can be no excuses, and I take full responsibility for the pain I have caused," Arnold regretted. He began to support Joseph and his mother financially, bought them a house, regularly communicates with his son, and even teaches him bodybuilding.
Mildred Baena, Schwarzenegger's housekeeper and mistress
Mildred Baena, Schwarzenegger's housekeeper and mistress
Since July 2015, Schwarzenegger has been dating sports medicine doctor Heather Milligan, who's 27 years his junior. Maria Shriver has also moved on with her personal life, though the couple still hasn't officially finalized their divorce.
Arnold and his current lady love
Arnold and his current lady love
The former husband and wife have maintained a warm, friendly relationship, and the disputed $400 million they couldn't split remains under their joint control. The former spouses and their children now see themselves as one family again, even though Arnold and Maria have separate romantic lives.
Former spouses still communicate warmly
Former spouses still communicate warmly
All five of Schwarzenegger's children are now adults: Katherine is involved in journalism and writes psychology books, Patrick's made a name for himself in modeling, appears in TV series, and runs a clothing store. Christina and Christopher graduated from college in 2013 and haven't rushed to settle on one career path, and the younger Joseph is still studying and playing sports. Patrick dated actress Miley Cyrus for a while, but their relationship never got serious.
Patrick Schwarzenegger became a model
Patrick Schwarzenegger became a model
Schwarzenegger is the author of the book "Total Recall: My Unbelievably True Life Story," published in 2012.
Schwarzenegger has a personal tank
Schwarzenegger has a personal tank
As an environmental activist and advocate for reducing greenhouse gases, the actor became the world's first owner of an electric Hummer - a custom SUV designed just for him.

Arnold Schwarzenegger Now

Arnold Schwarzenegger hasn't appeared in many movies lately. He spends his downtime at his ranch with his menagerie of pets: dogs, pigs, and a donkey named Lulu.
Arnold Schwarzenegger at his ranch in Texas
Arnold Schwarzenegger at his ranch in Texas
In 2023, the premiere of the documentary miniseries "Arnold" took place, in which the actor talked about his evolution as a bodybuilder, actor, and politician. According to Schwarzenegger fans, the series didn't reveal anything new, but the archival footage was fascinating to watch.
Arnold - Official Trailer (2023)

Arnold Schwarzenegger: latest news and articles

  • Iron Arnie needs no introduction! That`s a pity they failed in the last part of Terminator.
    2021-05-17 09:22:44
  • Schwarz forever, the legend man. All the top action movies that time was with him.
    2021-05-08 14:24:20
  • I remember when I was young and I was begging my mom to watch Terminator after 10 pm, this movie is just a bomb.
    2021-04-17 12:29:55
  • There are no questions, everyone knows this actor, and everyone loves him because he is cool.
    2021-04-05 15:00:54
  • The father of the action movies, the legend! And he still playing in movies, respect!
    2021-03-03 16:10:03
5