Arnold Schwarzenegger Biography
Arnold Schwarzenegger is known for several notable accomplishments and contributions, which have made him a prominent and iconic figure in various fields. From his successful career as a bodybuilder, winning the Mr. Olympia title seven times, to his transition into Hollywood as an actor, starring in blockbuster films.
Throughout his movie career, Arnold Schwarzenegger's imposing physical presence, charismatic performances, and memorable one-liners have made him a beloved and enduring figure in the action movie genre.
His movies have consistently attracted audiences worldwide and have become a significant part of popular culture. While he has taken breaks from acting to pursue other ventures, Schwarzenegger's impact on the world of cinema remains substantial.
But his influence goes far beyond his strength and performance on screen. As the 38th Governor of California, Schwarzenegger's commitment to public service has been evident throughout his career. He used his platform to advocate for important issues such as environmental conservation and education reform.
Learn all about Arnold Schwarzenegger's transition from Hollywood icon to politician, and much more, in his complete biography below.
Arnold Schwarzenegger's Early Life And Education
Arnold Schwarzenegger was born on July 30, 1947. Schwarzenegger was raised in a small village called Thal, located in the Austrian countryside. He was the second of four children in his family. His father, Gustav Schwarzenegger, was a local police chief, and his mother, Aurelia Jadrny, worked as a housewife.
From a young age, Schwarzenegger showed an interest in sports, particularly soccer. However, at the age of 14, he began weightlifting, which would eventually lead to his passion for bodybuilding.
After completing his mandatory military service in the Austrian Army, Schwarzenegger moved to Munich, Germany, in 1965 to further his bodybuilding career. During this time, he also attended business school at the University of Munich, where he studied marketing and international business.
Career
Bodybuilding Career:
While in Munich, Arnold Schwarzenegger trained intensely in bodybuilding and became one of the most successful and iconic figures in the sport.
He won numerous bodybuilding competitions, including the prestigious Mr. Olympia title seven times (1970–1975 and 1980). His muscular physique, charisma, and determination made him a standout in the world of bodybuilding.
Key aspects of his movie career:
"Conan the Barbarian" (1982): Schwarzenegger's breakout role came with the fantasy epic "Conan the Barbarian," in which he portrayed the leading character, Conan, a fierce and powerful warrior seeking revenge for the death of his parents.
The Terminator Franchise: Perhaps one of the most significant roles of his career was as the relentless cyborg assassin, the Terminator, in James Cameron's The Terminator (1984). The character was so recognizable that it became linked to Arnold Schwarzenegger himself. His portrayal of the emotionless killing machine with a mission to eliminate Sarah Connor revealed his ability to hook audiences with his physicality and intensity.
| The Terminator Franchise | Year | Box Office Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| The Terminator | 1984 | $78 Million |
| Terminator 2: Judgment Day | 1991 | $515 Million |
| Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines | 2003 | $433 Million |
| Terminator: Genisy's | 2015 | $432 Million |
| Terminator: Dark Fate | 2019 | $250 Million |
Arnold Schwarzenegger went on to star in many notable films after his initial appearance in The Terminator. Commando (1985), Predator (1987), Total Recall (1990), True Lies (1994), and Eraser (1996) were all action-packed movies. Schwarzenegger's performances were incredible, and he convincingly portrayed each of his characters.
In order to avoid being typecast, he also demonstrated his ability to play more than just a tough guy. This was evident in films like Twins (1988), where he shared the screen with Danny DeVito, and Kindergarten Cop (1990), where he played a rugged policeman masquerading as a gentle kindergarten teacher.
This movie didn't come without controversy, though. Despite the success of Kindergarten Cop, it faced criticism for its portrayal of law enforcement in a comedic light, especially considering the serious nature of policing. Some argued that it trivialized the role of police officers and undermined their authority.
In Last Action Hero (1993), Schwarzenegger parodied his own action hero image, playing both himself and his famous on-screen character. The film was an ambitious attempt to poke fun at the action movie genre while still delivering thrilling sequences.
Schwarzenegger also explored dramatic roles, such as in End of Days (1999), where he was a former policeman battling the forces of supernatural evil.
Political Career:
As a member of the Republican Party, Arnold Schwarzenegger was elected as the 38th Governor of California in a special recall election in 2003. He served two terms as governor from 2003 to 2011 and focused on various issues, including environmental policies and fiscal reforms.
Personal Life
Schwarzenegger was married to Maria Shriver, a member of the Kennedy family and a journalist, in 1986. The couple has four children together: Katherine, Christina, Patrick, and Christopher.
However, in May 2011, it was revealed that Schwarzenegger had fathered a child with the family's housekeeper, Mildred Baena, during his marriage to Shriver. The revelation led to the couple's separation, and they officially divorced in July 2011.
He is currently dating Heather Milligan and has been for nearly a decade. The age difference between the two has made gossip headlines, but Schwarzenegger and Milligan have remained strong despite the media scrutiny.
Net Worth
Schwarzenegger has a massive net worth of $450 million. Arnold has accumulated vast wealth through his film salaries. In his prime, it has been reported that he earned anywhere from $20 to $30 million per movie.
In addition, he has also built a significant real estate empire. Since the 1970s, when he first arrived in the US, Arnold has consistently invested his earnings into various real estate ventures, ultimately becoming a millionaire by the age of 25. Today, it is estimated that Arnold's combined commercial and personal real estate portfolios are valued between $100 and $200 million.
Activism
Arnold Schwarzenegger is a prominent advocate for environmental causes, particularly in the fight against climate change.
He founded the R20 Regions of Climate Action in 2009, a nonprofit organization that helps sub-national governments develop and implement sustainable energy projects.
Schwarzenegger has also participated in climate change conferences and events, delivering speeches advocating for greater action on environmental protection and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
In 2014, he launched the "Terminate Climate Change" campaign to raise awareness about transitioning to clean energy sources and reducing carbon emissions.
Controversy
Sexual Misconduct Allegations: During his time as a Hollywood actor, Schwarzenegger faced allegations of sexual misconduct from multiple women. These allegations emerged in the late 1980s and early 2000s. Schwarzenegger has denied many of these claims, but the accusations have been the subject of public discussion and criticism.
Extramarital Affair and Love Child: One of the most significant controversies in Schwarzenegger's personal life was the revelation in 2011 that he had fathered a child with his family's housekeeper, Mildred Baena, while he was married to Maria Shriver. The affair and love child led to the end of his marriage and garnered widespread media attention.
Clemency Controversy: During his time as Governor, Schwarzenegger faced criticism and controversy over his use of clemency powers. In particular, there was a public outcry when he commuted the sentence of Esteban Nez, the son of a political ally who had been convicted of manslaughter. Critics accused Schwarzenegger of using his power for political reasons.
