Arnold Schwarzenegger is a name that needs no introduction. From bodybuilding champion to Hollywood superstar to Governor of California, Schwarzenegger has made an indelible mark on the world. With his larger-than-life personality and incredible accomplishments, it’s no wonder he is such an iconic figure.
In this article, we will uncover 33 fascinating facts about Arnold Schwarzenegger that showcase his journey from a small town in Austria to becoming one of the most revered celebrities in the world.
From his early life and bodybuilding career to his successful filmography and political endeavors, we’ll explore the many facets of Schwarzenegger’s life. So, fasten your seatbelts and get ready for an exhilarating ride through the life of this extraordinary man.
#1 Arnold Schwarzenegger Won a Golden Globe For One of His First Roles
Throughout the 1970s, Schwarzenegger took on several supporting roles as his acting career began to gain momentum. One notable role was that of Joe Santo, a bodybuilder training for the Mr. Universe competition, in the Jeff Bridges film “Stay Hungry.
Given his real-life experience as a bodybuilder, Schwarzenegger was a natural fit for the part. However, he fully committed to the role, even losing a significant amount of weight for the film.
This dedication caused some setbacks in his bodybuilding career, but it paid off when he won a Golden Globe for his performance.
#2 He Had a Legendary Career as a Bodybuilder
Schwarzenegger always dreamed of moving to the United States and becoming a famous actor. He figured that the best way for a poor Austrian kid like him to achieve that was by becoming a champion bodybuilder. It’s hard to argue with his results.
In addition to making history by winning the Mr. Universe title at age 20, Schwarzenegger also thoroughly dominated the Mr. Olympia competition. He won the Mr. Olympia title seven times, claiming his first victory at age 23, making him the youngest champion ever.
#3 He Was the Governor of California
After three decades in Hollywood, Schwarzenegger decided to try his hand at running the state that had become his home. He served as the 38th Governor of California, following Governor Gray Davis’s recall in a special election.
Schwarzenegger won by a massive margin of 1.3 million votes and secured his re-election by a nearly identical margin. To date, he is only the second foreign-born governor of California, serving from 2003 to 2011.
#4 He Was Originally a Soccer Player
Although always athletic, Schwarzenegger wasn’t immediately drawn to weightlifting. Like many, he began with soccer, mainly to impress his overbearing father. He described himself as being in shape but quite skinny.
When Arnold was 14 or 15, his soccer coach took the team to a local gym for weight training. From that moment on, Schwarzenegger was hooked. He gave up soccer and began pursuing a career as a professional bodybuilder.
#5 He Became a Competitive Bodybuilder at Age 17
Schwarzenegger became so obsessed with working out and sculpting a bodybuilder’s physique that he made sure to lift weights every single day. Unfortunately, his local gym wasn’t open on the weekends, but that didn’t stop him.
Arnold would break into the gym when it was closed just to get his crucial Saturday and Sunday workouts. He trained this way for several years as a young teenager before finally going pro, officially beginning his career as a competitive bodybuilder at age 17.
#6 He Served in the Austrian Army
Like all Austrian men, Schwarzenegger was required to spend one year in military service when he turned 18. While it’s a standard obligation for male citizens, it’s almost as if the authorities foresaw his future role in “Commando” and created the rule just for him.
Unfortunately, this year of service coincided with the early stages of Schwarzenegger’s burgeoning bodybuilding career. He went AWOL to compete in a bodybuilding competition and ended up in military jail for a week as a result.
#7 He Wasn’t the First Choice for The Terminator
It’s hard to believe now, but Schwarzenegger wasn’t James Cameron’s first choice for the role of the Terminator. Cameron initially envisioned someone who appeared very ordinary and could blend into a crowd, and had Lance Henrikson in mind (who would later play the android Bishop in Cameron’s Aliens).
The studio initially wanted Schwarzenegger for the role of Kyle Reese, the hero, but Cameron was hesitant. He felt Schwarzenegger’s imposing physique would overshadow any actor cast as the Terminator.
However, after meeting Arnold, Cameron changed his mind, recognizing that Schwarzenegger’s presence was perfect for the role of the relentless, unstoppable killer robot.
#8 He Auditioned to Play the Incredible Hulk (And Lost)
While he was still starting out in Hollywood, Schwarzenegger auditioned for the role of the Marvel Comics character the Incredible Hulk in the TV series that eventually starred Bill Bixby as the Hulk’s mild-mannered alter ego, David Banner.
Schwarzenegger has mentioned that anxiety used to be a dominant force in his life. He now uses meditation to manage it, finding that it helps him address his concerns in a logical and healthy manner, rather than being overwhelmed by them all at once.
#9 He Went to Jail
He spent seven days in military prison in Austria for going AWOL to compete in Junior Mr. Europe.
#10 Schwarzenegger has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
In recognition of his contributions to the entertainment industry, Arnold was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
