ACTOR · BORN 1947
Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Born
- 30 July 1947, Thal, Styria, Austria
- Known for
- The Terminator (1984), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Predator (1987), Terminator Genisys (2015)
99 archived facts 5 topics 1 source Last reviewed Sep 2026
All facts (99)
- #001
In 2004, while vacationing in Hawaii, Arnold Schwarzenegger jumped into the sea to rescue a man who was drowning. The man survived thanks to Schwarzenegger's quick thinking and physical strength. The incident showed that he was a hero in real life, not just on screen, and proved he has always been someone ready to help.
- #002
Childhood friends said Schwarzenegger often spoke of his goals in life: to move to America, become an actor and marry a Kennedy. At the time these goals seemed highly ambitious for an Austrian youth, but through determination and resolve he achieved all three. The story shows he stood out not only for his physical strength but also for his vision and ambition.
- #003
During his time as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger refused to accept a salary. This showed his commitment to public service and his desire to serve the people rather than earn money. He also used his private jet at his own expense, demonstrating that he did not use state resources for personal needs, and reflecting his sense of ethics and responsibility.
- #004
Schwarzenegger performed many of his own stunts in his films, largely because it was difficult to find a stunt double who matched his size. This increased the realism of his action scenes and gave audiences a more impressive experience. Billy D. Lucas, Joel Kramer and Peter Kent eventually became his personal stunt doubles and close friends, a friendship that showed how respected he was on set.
- #005
Schwarzenegger was asked to reprise the character "Dutch" from the first Predator (1987) in the sequel, but he turned it down because he did not like the script. Instead he chose to appear in Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991). The decision was a major turning point in his career and led him to take on one of the most iconic roles in cinema history, showing that he was not merely chasing popularity but valued quality productions.
- #006
The famous line "I'll be back" from The Terminator (1984) was originally written as "I'll come back". The small change produced one of the most memorable lines in cinema history, and the final wording better reflects the character's coolness and resolve. The detail shows how important creative decisions during production can be.
- #007
While filming Total Recall (1990), Schwarzenegger noticed that Michael Ironside was constantly on the phone. When he asked about it, he learned that Ironside's sister had cancer. Arnold immediately took Michael to his trailer and held a three-way phone call with his sister, explaining which exercises she should do and which foods she should eat. Ironside never forgot Schwarzenegger's kindness, an act that showed he was not only an action star but also an empathetic person.
- #008
Schwarzenegger was the second actor to be elected Governor of California, following Ronald Reagan. Reagan's rise to the presidency had proven that actors could succeed in politics, and Schwarzenegger's election continued that tradition, showing how strong the link between Hollywood and politics is. It also showed that he was accepted not only as a film star but also as a serious political figure.
- #009
Among his own films, Schwarzenegger's personal favorite is Kindergarten Cop (1990), in which he successfully blended action and comedy. The film showed that he could succeed in genres beyond tough-guy roles and received positive reactions from both critics and audiences. His choice reflects the importance he places on variety in his acting career.
- #010
During his time as Governor of California, Schwarzenegger kept the sword he used in Conan the Barbarian (1982) in his governor's office. This showed his commitment to his film career and his respect for his past, with the sword standing in his office as a symbol of one of his most iconic roles. The detail reveals how he combined his identity as both an actor and a politician.
- #011
Schwarzenegger grew up in a house without a telephone, a refrigerator or a toilet, experiencing a childhood in poverty. These hard conditions strengthened his ambition and his belief in success, and despite the obstacles he reached the top of both bodybuilding and acting. His story stands as proof of his determination and resolve and as an inspiring example.
- #012
Schwarzenegger initially refused to appear in Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) because James Cameron, who created the character and directed the first two films, would not direct the third. Arnold tried to persuade Cameron to direct it, but Cameron refused; feeling that the Terminator character belonged to him as much as to Arnold, Cameron advised Arnold to do the third film and to ask for a lot of money. The episode shows how much Schwarzenegger respected the creative process and how attached he was to his character.
- #013
Although German is his native language, all of Schwarzenegger's films were dubbed into German for the German-speaking market by Thomas Danneberg, because his strong rural Austrian accent did not suit the kinds of roles he played. This shows that his accent could have been an obstacle in his film career but was overcome through dubbing, and Danneberg's voice became identified with Schwarzenegger's characters in German-speaking countries. The detail offers an interesting example of how films are adapted for the international market.
- #014
In his youth, his family feared he might be gay because he admired bodybuilders. His mother, Aurelia, called a doctor, thinking that her son had "gone down the wrong path" because of the glossy photos of men on his bedroom walls. The episode shows how bodybuilding was perceived in society at the time and his family's worries, and Schwarzenegger's later achievements proved his family's misjudgment wrong.
- #015
Schwarzenegger said the filming of the climactic fight at the end of Predator (1987) was difficult because the late Kevin Peter Hall, who played the Predator, could not see through his mask. This highlights the difficulties faced when shooting action scenes: Hall's limited vision required the fight choreography to be planned carefully. The detail shows the creativity involved in overcoming technical challenges in film production.
- #016
Schwarzenegger graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Superior with a degree in fitness and international business marketing, so he did not neglect his academic education either. This education helped him stand out not only for his physical strength but also for his success in the business world, and his graduation shows he was a versatile person who could succeed in different areas of his career.
- #017
After he began lifting weights as a young man, Schwarzenegger noticed that his body had become disproportionate: his arms, shoulders and chest developed well, but his calves and lower legs did not develop as he wanted. To motivate himself to work harder on his calves, he cut all his trousers off at the knee; walking around like that, people stared (and perhaps even laughed) at the big man with "chicken legs". It worked. The story shows how determined and creative he was in reaching his goals.
- #018
Schwarzenegger underwent a procedure called genioplasty to have his chin set back. The procedure made his facial features more balanced and changed his appearance, and the surgery helped him adapt to a wider range of roles in his film career. The detail is an example of the cosmetic interventions celebrities undergo to change their appearance.
- #019
While a behind-the-scenes documentary was being filmed for the special-edition DVD of Conan the Barbarian (1982), Schwarzenegger hit his head on the microphone at the end of the interview and immediately joked: "You see, even when I'm being interviewed about Conan, I can't help getting injured." The joke shows his sense of humor and his relaxed manner on set, and reveals a personality able to laugh at himself.
- #020
Schwarzenegger was named "the most perfectly developed man in the history of the world" by the Guinness Book of Records. The title symbolizes the peak of his bodybuilding career, and the description shows that his physical perfection was recognized not only as that of an athlete but also as that of a cultural icon. The record wrote his name into history.
- #021
Arnold Schwarzenegger and his 11-year-old son Patrick were injured in a traffic accident when a car struck Arnold's motorcycle; Patrick was in a basket at the time. Arnold received 15 stitches. The accident is recorded as one of the dangerous moments in his life, though fortunately neither of them suffered serious harm.
- #022
Arnold Schwarzenegger turned down the role of Animal Mother in Full Metal Jacket (1987) and chose to star in The Running Man (1987) instead. The decision marked an important turning point in his career and reinforced his success in the action genre. It also showed how careful he was in choosing scripts.
- #023
Arnold Schwarzenegger was a close friend of WWE Hall of Famer André René Roussimoff. André was a wrestler known for his giant stature and shared similar physical traits with Schwarzenegger. Their friendship grew out of shared experiences and mutual respect, and it shows that Schwarzenegger built connections not only in cinema but also in the world of sports.
- #024
Arnold Schwarzenegger turned down the role of John McClane in Die Hard (1988), and the part went to Bruce Willis. Ironically, Willis's character has a line in the film saying the terrorists have enough explosives "to put Arnold Schwarzenegger into orbit." The refusal is seen as a significant decision in his career: Die Hard took Bruce Willis's career to its peak, while Schwarzenegger's rejection of the role sent him in a different direction.
- #025
While Arnold Schwarzenegger was serving as governor, a Burger King promotional poster for the Triple Whopper read that it was "so big and meaty it could run for governor." The humorous ad created an image identified with his political career and shows how strong his place in popular culture was, as well as how brands used his image for marketing.
- #026
In Demolition Man (1993), Lenina Huxley, played by Sandra Bullock, tells John Spartan, played by Sylvester Stallone, about the Arnold Schwarzenegger Presidential Library, explaining that the Constitution was amended so Schwarzenegger could run for president because of the popularity of his films, and that according to Huxley he did so. In 2003, ten years after the film's release, Schwarzenegger ran for Governor of California and won the election on October 7. The film made a prediction about his political career that seemed prophetic.
- #027
Arnold Schwarzenegger left the Austrian army without permission in order to enter his first bodybuilding competition. The bold step showed how strong his passion was, and leaving army discipline became a turning point in his career. It also reveals that he was not afraid to take risks to reach his goals.
- #028
James Cameron initially wanted Arnold Schwarzenegger for the role of Kyle Reese in The Terminator (1984), but after reading the script Arnold asked Cameron to let him play the Machine instead. Cameron replied, "No, no! Reese is the star! He's the big hero! The Terminator has almost no lines!" but Arnold told him, "trust me." The decision led to one of the most iconic roles in cinema history and shows how sound Schwarzenegger's instincts could be in his career.
- #029
Arnold Schwarzenegger won the Mr. Olympia title seven times (1970-1975, 1980). The achievement made him one of the biggest names in bodybuilding history, and the titles proved not only his physical strength but also his discipline and determination. The record represents the peak of his sports career.
- #030
At the peak of his bodybuilding career, Arnold Schwarzenegger measured 57" in the chest, 34" at the waist, 22" in the biceps, 28½" in the thighs and 20" in the calves, with a competition weight of 235 pounds (260 pounds off-season). These measurements show how physically impressive his build was and became a legendary standard in the bodybuilding world. His physical attributes were also decisive in his film career.
- #031
Arnold Schwarzenegger holds the record for the most major bodybuilding titles won in history: 13 (1 Mr. Junior Western Europe, 7 Mr. Olympia and 5 Mr. Universe). The record makes his supremacy in bodybuilding indisputable and ensured he is remembered not only as an athlete but as a legend. It is one of the most important milestones of his career.
- #032
Arnold Schwarzenegger underwent heart surgery to correct a congenital heart valve condition. The operation shows his struggle with health problems; it was successful and he recovered his health. The episode shows that he drew attention not only for his physical strength but also for his determination in dealing with health issues.
- #033
Arnold Schwarzenegger was the first choice to play the title character in RoboCop (1987), but the role ultimately went to Peter Weller. His turning down or not getting the part sent his career in a different direction, while RoboCop became a major science-fiction production. The situation illustrates the alternative paths in his career.
- #034
Arnold Schwarzenegger sold his Planet Hollywood shares and is no longer one of the chain's partners. The restaurant chain was one of his business ventures, and selling his shares reflects changes in his business strategies and his desire to diversify his investments and move into different areas.
- #035
After leaving Austria for the first time, Arnold Schwarzenegger came to England to work and earned less than 30 pounds a week. The period shows his struggle with poverty and his fight to survive, and his time in England laid the foundation for his later successes. The story stands as inspiring proof of his perseverance and determination.
- #036
In 1983, Arnold Schwarzenegger became a US citizen. It was an important step toward realizing the American dream, and his naturalization showed his commitment to America and his desire to integrate into the country. The event was a significant turning point in his career and his political life.
- #037
Because Conan the Destroyer (1984) failed, Arnold Schwarzenegger rarely made sequels to his own films. He turned down sequels to Commando (1985), Predator (1987), Total Recall (1990) and True Lies (1994), as well as a third "Conan" film to be titled Kull: The Conqueror (1997). The only exceptions he made were Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003), The Expendables 2 (2012), The Expendables 3 (2014) and Terminator Genisys (2015). The stance shows the importance he placed on script quality.
- #038
Arnold Schwarzenegger's wife, Maria Shriver, is a niece of the late President John F. Kennedy and of Senators Robert F. Kennedy and Ted Kennedy. The connection strengthened Schwarzenegger's relationship with the Kennedy family and was also influential in his political career, raising his status in society.
- #039
Arnold Schwarzenegger was considered for the lead role in the 1970s TV series The Incredible Hulk (1977), but was reportedly not tall enough. His old bodybuilding rival Lou Ferrigno ultimately won the part. The situation is seen as one of the opportunities he missed in his career: Ferrigno's Hulk role earned an important place in his own career, while Schwarzenegger's failure to get the part sent him in a different direction.
- #040
Arnold Schwarzenegger's father, Gustav Schwarzenegger, nicknamed him "Cinderella" as a child, and his older brother Meinhard constantly harassed him while they were growing up. Both men died while driving under the influence of alcohol. These tragic events show the difficulties in his family life and shaped his character and outlook on life.
- #041
During California elections, Arnold Schwarzenegger lobbied in support of a juvenile crime prevention initiative that would require the state to allocate 400 million dollars to extracurricular activities and tutoring for students from kindergarten through ninth grade. The initiative reflected his commitment to education and youth, and he took an active part in such social responsibility projects. These efforts showed that he worked not only as a politician but also as a community leader.
- #042
During his bodybuilding days, Arnold Schwarzenegger once bench pressed 450 pounds. The feat demonstrated his extraordinary physical strength and proved how powerful he was not only in bodybuilding but in athletics generally. Such records cemented his legendary status.
- #043
Unlike George Clooney and Chris O'Donnell, Arnold Schwarzenegger does not regret taking the role of Mr. Freeze in Batman & Robin (1997). Joel Schumacher threatened not to direct the film if Schwarzenegger did not play Mr. Freeze, which explains why he accepted the part. Schwarzenegger maintains a positive attitude toward his performance in the film.
- #044
On 12/12/05, as governor, Arnold Schwarzenegger refused to grant clemency to former gang leader Stanley Tookie Williams, who had been convicted of four murders and had been on death row for 24 years. The decision reflected his stance on the death penalty, and despite campaigns for Williams's clemency, Schwarzenegger did not back down. The episode stands as a controversial decision in his political career.
- #045
Arnold Schwarzenegger was the first private citizen in the United States to own a Humvee (High Mobility Multipurpose Wheeled Vehicle). The vehicle had been designed for military use, and making it available for civilian use was highly unusual. Owning it suited his image of strength and durability and reflected his unusual tastes and status.
- #046
During the filming of Predator (1987), Arnold Schwarzenegger became close friends with his co-star Jesse Ventura, who was later elected governor of Minnesota. Their friendship grew out of shared experiences and similar worldviews, and Ventura's own entry into politics showed Schwarzenegger's influence in that field. The relationship showed that he built connections not only in the film world but also in politics.
- #047
The character Rainier Wolfcastle in The Simpsons (1989) was inspired by Arnold Schwarzenegger. The character parodies Schwarzenegger's action-star image and is often depicted as an action-film actor who goes into politics. The inspiration shows how strong his place in popular culture is.
- #048
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the first member of the Kennedy family to serve as a state governor. This shows how strong his connection to the Kennedy family is; he joined the family through his wife, Maria Shriver, and rose to a significant position in his political career. It also shows that he was accepted not only as an actor but also as a political figure.
- #049
In his childhood, Arnold Schwarzenegger saw John Wayne as his idol and role model. As Governor of California, he issued a proclamation declaring May 26, 2007, "John Wayne Day" in the state. The move showed his admiration for John Wayne and his respect for Wayne's legacy, and revealed how his personal values carried over into his political decisions.
- #050
The Austrian Green Party decided that Arnold Schwarzenegger's Austrian citizenship should be revoked because of his support for the death penalty. This shows how controversial his views on capital punishment were, and the decision affected his relationship with his home country. His stance on the issue is seen as part of his political position.
- #051
Arnold Schwarzenegger has a pet miniature pony named Whiskey, which was the name of Kirk Douglas's horse in The Villain (1979), the film in which Arnold starred. He also has a pet miniature donkey named Lulu. These animals offer interesting details about his personal life, and his affection for them shows that he is not only a tough action star but also an animal lover.
- #052
In late October 2007, Arnold Schwarzenegger flew personally to Malibu, California, to inspect the damage caused by the wildfires, ahead of all other politicians including the President. The move showed his ability to act quickly and effectively in moments of crisis. With this visit he demonstrated his commitment to the public and his sense of responsibility, highlighting his leadership qualities.
- #053
On June 25, 2002, in Washington DC, Arnold Schwarzenegger was honored with the Horizon Award by the Congressional Award. The Horizon Award is a special recognition given by the US Congressional Joint Leadership and the Congressional Award Board of Directors to private-sector individuals who have helped expand opportunities for all Americans through their personal contributions and who set exceptional examples for young people through their achievements in life. The award shows that his contributions to society were recognized.
- #054
Arnold Schwarzenegger's performance as the Terminator in the "Terminator" films ranks 40th on Premiere Magazine's list of the 100 Greatest Movie Characters of All Time. The ranking shows the importance of the character he portrayed in cinema history; the Terminator became one of the most iconic characters of the science fiction genre. This achievement is one of the most important milestones of Schwarzenegger's acting career.
- #055
Arnold Schwarzenegger is good friends with bodybuilder Sven-Ole Thorsen; ironically, Thorsen played "Thorgrim," one of the chief enemies in Conan the Barbarian (1982). Their friendship stems from their shared background and their ties in the bodybuilding world, and Thorsen was an important figure in Schwarzenegger's career. The relationship shows that he formed strong bonds off set as well.
- #056
Early in his career, Arnold Schwarzenegger appeared on the game show The Dating Game (1965). The appearance is recorded as a memory from the period before he became famous and is seen as one of his first steps into the entertainment world. The experience shows how early his career began.
- #057
In the early development stages of Judge Dredd (1995), Arnold Schwarzenegger was considered for the role of Judge Dredd. The role went to Sylvester Stallone, a co-founder of Planet Hollywood. This is seen as one of the opportunities Schwarzenegger missed in his career; Stallone's taking the part reinforced his success in the action genre, while Schwarzenegger's failure to land it led him in a different direction.
- #058
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the second governor in California history to have been born in a foreign country. California's 7th governor, John Downey, was born in Ireland and served from 1860 to 1862. This shows Schwarzenegger's significance as a politician of immigrant origin and puts his achievement in historical context as highly unusual.
- #059
In 2011, it emerged that Arnold Schwarzenegger had fathered a son out of wedlock with Mildred Patricia Baena, the housekeeper of the Schwarzenegger/Shriver family. Schwarzenegger did not know he was the father of Baena's child until the boy began to walk and increasingly resembled him. Joseph Baena was born just five days after Maria Shriver gave birth to Christopher, Schwarzenegger's fourth child, so the children grew up together in the same house. Schwarzenegger explained the out-of-wedlock child to his wife, and the affair led to the end of his marriage.
- #060
After seeing Reg Park's performance in Hercules in the Haunted World (1961), Arnold Schwarzenegger was inspired to become a bodybuilder. The film was an important turning point in his life; Park's physical strength and charisma deeply impressed the young Schwarzenegger. This inspiration triggered the start of his bodybuilding career.
- #061
Arnold Schwarzenegger holds a black belt in taekwondo, a mark of his proficiency in the martial arts. The black belt reflects his disciplined and determined character, and the skill also served him in the fight scenes of his action films. The achievement shows he is a versatile athlete.
- #062
Arnold Schwarzenegger broke six ribs in a motorcycle accident, one of the dangerous moments recorded in his life. Such accidents are seen as part of his risk-taking lifestyle, but fortunately the injuries did not harm his career. The incident demonstrates his physical resilience.
- #063
When the first film adaptation of William Goldman's "The Princess Bride" was proposed in the 1970s, Arnold Schwarzenegger was considered for the role of the gentle giant Fezzik (The Princess Bride (1987)). The part ultimately went to André the Giant, making it one of the opportunities Schwarzenegger missed in his career. André the Giant's performance created an unforgettable character in the film.
- #064
Arnold Schwarzenegger joined President George H.W. Bush in New Hampshire and asked voters to "send a message to Pat Buchanan: Hasta la vista, baby." The line was a nod to his famous quote from the Terminator films. The move shows how he used popular culture in political campaigns, and his humorous approach reveals his skill in political communication.
- #065
In 1968, Joe Weider brought Arnold Schwarzenegger to Los Angeles and paid him 100 dollars a week in exchange for writing articles for the magazines promoting Weider products. Weider died in March 2013 at the age of 93. The arrangement marked the beginning of Schwarzenegger's career in America; Weider was a major figure in the bodybuilding world and played a large role in Schwarzenegger's development.
- #066
On 9/7/01, Arnold Schwarzenegger sued International Game Technology over the unauthorized use of his voice and image in slot machine games. His lawyer told the press that he was seeking 20 million dollars in damages, the amount he believed he would have received had he approved the use. The lawsuit shows his determination to protect his personal rights, and such legal battles are seen as part of celebrities' efforts to protect their images.
- #067
Arnold Schwarzenegger was considered for the lead in Flash Gordon (1980). The role ultimately went to Sam J. Jones because producer Dino De Laurentiis felt Schwarzenegger's German accent was unsuitable for the part. De Laurentiis told Schwarzenegger, in his heavy Italian accent, "You have an accent! I cannot use you for Flash Gordon! No! Flash Gordon has no accent! I cannot use you! No!" Ironically, Jones had to temporarily shed his own Texas accent for the role. The episode shows how important an accent can be in casting.
- #068
Arnold Schwarzenegger's children with Maria Shriver are Katherine Schwarzenegger (b. 13 December 1989), Christina Schwarzenegger (C. Maria Aurelia S.) (b. 23 July 1991), Patrick Schwarzenegger (b. 18 September 1993) and Christopher Sargent Shriver Schwarzenegger (b. 27 September 1997). He is also the father of Joseph Baena (b. 2 October 1997) with Mildred Patricia Baena, who was the family's housekeeper until 2011. This family structure shows the complexity of his private life.
- #069
Arnold Schwarzenegger declined a request to play Conan in Kull: The Conqueror (1997), initially titled "Conan the Conqueror." He was also supposed to play Conan in Red Sonja (1985), but a new character that was Conan in everything but name was created instead. This shows his attachment to the Conan character and his unwillingness to repeat the role; with these decisions, Schwarzenegger chose to move in different directions in his career.
- #070
Arnold Schwarzenegger's life bears a strange resemblance to that of Conan in Conan the Barbarian (1982). Conan was born in a small village and became a physically powerful man through years of slavery; after winning great fame as a gladiator he became devoted to wine and women, but later rejected that hedonistic lifestyle and, through great heroic deeds, finally became king. Arnold was born in a small Austrian town and began lifting weights as he grew up; after achieving success as a bodybuilder he struggled against drug and alcohol use and eventually became Governor of California. The parallel shows how closely his life matches that of a fictional character.
- #071
When The Last Stand (2013) was released, the total number of characters Arnold Schwarzenegger had killed on screen over his film career reached 509. The figure sums up his violent on-screen legacy as one of the most iconic figures in action cinema. Identified from the 1980s onward with blockbuster productions, the actor proves with this statistic that he is one of the genre's most prolific names.
- #072
At the peak of his career, Arnold Schwarzenegger turned down many major leading roles, among them The Rock (1996), The Saint (1997), Face/Off (1997) and The Count of Monte Cristo (2002). He later admitted in a statement that he regretted declining the role in The Rock in particular. These decisions led him to move in a different direction in his career and to focus on the action genre.
- #073
Arnold Schwarzenegger is the father-in-law of the famous actor Chris Pratt. Pratt joined the family by marrying Schwarzenegger's daughter Katherine. The bond brought two major Hollywood names closer together and has led the pair to be seen together from time to time; the family ties marked a new period in both actors' careers.
- #074
Arnold Schwarzenegger reprised the Terminator character in 1996 in the short film T2 3-D: Battle Across Time, made for a theme park. The production used an advanced 3D process to make the character appear to leap off the screen at the audience. The experience gave fans a chance to be part of the Terminator universe outside movie theaters, and it also strengthened Schwarzenegger's bond with this iconic role.
- #075
Franco Columbu, Arnold Schwarzenegger's close friend and rival in his bodybuilding career, served as best man at his wedding. Columbu held an important place in Schwarzenegger's life; the two supported each other in their sports careers. The friendship shows Schwarzenegger's loyalty in his personal life and his ability to form long-lasting relationships.
- #076
Arnold Schwarzenegger received an honorary doctorate from the University of Wisconsin-Superior, where he graduated, for his charity work. The honor shows that he is appreciated not only as an actor and politician but also as an individual who contributes to society. The university honored his achievements and philanthropy in this way.
- #077
Over his career, Arnold Schwarzenegger played a character who dies in five films: The Terminator (1984), Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), End of Days (1999), Terminator 3: Rise of the Machines (2003) and Terminator Genisys (2015). In most of these films, especially in the Terminator series, the character's death was an important part of the story. In Genisys, however, the main T-800 character survived and was upgraded to T-1000 status. This shows that Schwarzenegger's on-screen deaths are generally events that change the course of the story.
- #078
In early 2000, Arnold Schwarzenegger ended his partnership with the Planet Hollywood restaurant chain. He cited the investment's failure to reach the level of success he had expected as the reason for the decision. Planet Hollywood was a venture co-owned by famous actors of the period, and Schwarzenegger's departure shows how high his expectations were in the business world.
- #079
In 2005, Arnold Schwarzenegger stopped allowing his name to be used for the football stadium in his hometown of Graz, Austria, and returned his ring of honor. The decision was a response to a campaign launched against him by some politicians for not halting the execution of Stanley Tookie Williams, who had been sentenced to death. With this move, Schwarzenegger showed that he would not bow to political pressure and would not compromise his principles.
- #080
Arnold Schwarzenegger attended the 2004 funeral of former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, whom he regarded as a great hero. Reagan had been an inspiration in Schwarzenegger's political career. The attendance once again demonstrated Schwarzenegger's admiration and respect for Reagan, and it also laid bare the ideological closeness between the two men.
- #081
Producer Joel Silver at one point wanted Arnold Schwarzenegger to play the role of Doctor Manhattan in a film adaptation of Alan Moore's famous graphic novel Watchmen (2009). The project never came to fruition, however, and the role went to another actor. The offer shows that Schwarzenegger was considered not only for action films but also for comic book adaptations.
- #082
In 2017, after the violent clashes between white supremacists and anti-racism groups in Charlottesville, Virginia, Schwarzenegger donated $100,000 to an anti-hate charity. The donation demonstrated his sensitivity to social issues and his stance against hate speech. With this move, Schwarzenegger stood out not only as a celebrity but also as an activist.
- #083
Before he became famous, Schwarzenegger appeared on the cover of Grand Funk Railroad's 1974 album 'All the Girls in the World Beware!!!' alongside his bodybuilding friends Franco Columbu and Frank Zane. On the album cover, the band members' faces were digitally placed onto the muscular bodies of Schwarzenegger and his friends. The image shows how prominent a place bodybuilding held in the popular culture of the era.
- #084
John Milius initially wanted Schwarzenegger to narrate Conan the Barbarian (1982). The studio, however, did not trust Schwarzenegger's accent and gave the task to Mako, who played the wizard in the film. This decision shows how Schwarzenegger's accent was perceived in Hollywood at the time. Even so, Schwarzenegger achieved a major breakthrough in his career with this film.
- #085
In 1996, Schwarzenegger was considered for the role of Robert Neville in I Am Legend (2007), which was planned to be directed by Ridley Scott. The project did not come together at that time, however, and the film was made years later with Will Smith. The offer shows that Schwarzenegger was also a sought-after actor in the science fiction genre.
- #086
TV Guide magazine selected Schwarzenegger's announcement of his candidacy for governor of California on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno as the biggest TV moment of 2003. The announcement resonated widely in both the film and political worlds. With this move, Schwarzenegger provided one of the most striking examples of a transition from Hollywood to politics.
- #087
Over the course of his career, Schwarzenegger was nominated for the Razzie Award for Worst Actor eight times. In 2004, he received the special 'Worst Razzie Loser of Our First 25 Years' award. These awards show that some of his films were not well received by critics. This did not, however, affect Schwarzenegger's box office success or popularity.
- #088
Schwarzenegger's production company is Oak Productions. The company played an important role in his film career and enabled him to serve as a producer on many projects. Oak Productions shows how successful Schwarzenegger was not only as an actor but also as a businessman.
- #089
In 2000, Schwarzenegger became the only person to receive three different Razzie nominations for the same film: Worst Actor, Worst Supporting Actor and Worst Screen Couple (with himself as a clone). The nominations were given for his performance in The 6th Day. The situation shows how negatively the film was received by critics.
- #090
Schwarzenegger won many important titles during his bodybuilding career. In 1965 in Germany he won Mr. Europe Jr., and in 1966 he won Best Built Man in Europe, Mr. Europe and the International Powerlifting Championship. In 1967 in London he took the NABBA Mr. Universe Amateur title, and in 1968 the NABBA Mr. Universe Professional and National Championship Weightlifting titles. In 1968 he won IFBB Mr. International in Mexico, in 1969 IFBB Mr. Universe Amateur in New York, and in 1969/1970 the NABBA Mr. Universe Professional title in London. These achievements cemented his legendary status in the world of sport.
- #091
Schwarzenegger was considered for the role of Doctor Octopus in James Cameron's cancelled Spider-Man film. Although Cameron's project never materialized, the offer shows that Schwarzenegger was also a sought-after name in the superhero genre. This information brings to light the alternative paths in his career and the lost projects in film history.
- #092
After the September 11 attacks, Schwarzenegger and Warner Bros. postponed the release of Collateral Damage (2002) indefinitely. The film's story follows a firefighter who loses his family in a terrorist attack. The postponement was a sign of respect for the sensitive atmosphere of the period. The film was released later and became one of the notable productions in Schwarzenegger's career.
- #093
Schwarzenegger turned down an offer to star in a sequel to the 1985 film Commando. This decision shows his desire to move toward different projects in his career. Although Commando is one of the classics of the action genre, Schwarzenegger chose not to take part in sequels.
- #094
Schwarzenegger's voice in his first film, Hercules in New York (1970), was dubbed because of his accent. This shows the difficulties he faced in his early years in Hollywood. Schwarzenegger overcame this obstacle, however, and achieved great success in his career.
- #095
Schwarzenegger shared his first romantic scene in his film career with actress Sandahl Bergman in Conan the Barbarian (1982). The film showed that he could succeed not only in action scenes but also in emotional moments. His chemistry with Bergman is remembered as one of the film's key scenes.
- #096
Schwarzenegger and his Predator (1987) co-star Jesse Ventura coincidentally became the 38th governors of California and Minnesota, respectively. This interesting coincidence came about after both actors entered politics following their film careers. It went down in history as one of the rare examples of a transition from Hollywood to politics.
- #097
Schwarzenegger appeared alongside Minnesota's future governor Jesse Ventura in Predator (1987), The Running Man (1987) and Batman & Robin (1997). These collaborations held an important place in both actors' careers. Ventura's entry into politics may have inspired Schwarzenegger to move in the same direction.
- #098
Schwarzenegger worked for decades with the Simon Wiesenthal Center, an anti-hate organization. This collaboration shows his sense of social responsibility and his stance against hate crimes. Through the organization, Schwarzenegger took part in and supported many events.
- #099
Schwarzenegger was a part owner of the Planet Hollywood and Schatzi restaurants. Planet Hollywood was a restaurant chain co-owned by the famous actors of the era, and Schwarzenegger made a name for himself in the business world with this venture. Schatzi was a smaller establishment and reflects his entrepreneurial side.
Continue through the archive
Sources & editorial notes
Reference databases
Sources for the entries on this page
- IMDb IMDb
Information from external sources is independently selected, consolidated and edited by Arka Evren. Sources are listed for verification and further reading. Encyclopedia text is used under its licence (CC BY-SA). How we work